Fat cats ai risk for liver disease IN recent years we have all become aware that nutrition, exercise and taking care of our- selves is important to healthy living. We often torget, however, that these same rules apply to our pets. Obesity is not cute. Ir isa potentially lite threaren- ing problem. [f vou answer yes to any of chese questions it may indicate that your port- ly pussy requires veterinary atrention. @ Isic difticule to fect the out- line of cach of vour cat's ribs when you gently stroke vour cat’s side and underbel B Do you norice excess on your cat's underside and beneath his back legs when your cat walks away from you? @ Deve your car stay indoors and/or get limited exercise? Ifyeu checked even one of these fastors, your cat may be prone to obesity. Speak to your veterinarian who can recommend a diet of opti- mum feeding to reduce, and hopefully, eliminate obesity. It is up to you to start making changes in the daily habits of your cat. It’s hard to resist the cyes of a begging cat, but it’s harder to learn that your beloved cat has developed liver diseases. — Information provided by News Canada. north shore news PETs Plan for animal safety NEWS photo Terry Peters Human’s name and occupation: Casey Peters, a student. Pets’ names, breeds and ages: Toby, a two-year-old border terrier; and Tango, an eight-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, who has an unusual shade of red in her coat known as “red fox.” Favourite activities: Both dogs enjoy lengthy walks in the local forests twice a day. Tange loves to swim, while Toby is content to paddle. Favourite treats: Both dogs love their food (what dogs don’t?) and become extremely attentive when their favourites appear: cheese, pieces of hot dogs, tortellini, carrots 2nd grapes. Save $100 with your purchase of 4, or $40 with your purchase of 2 Luxury Performance Touring Tires including the MIXV4 ZP, MXV4, Energy MXV4 and Energy MXKV4 Plus ay See- areas Shore’s lead ing supplier of Michelin - Uniroyal - Goodrich 300 E. Esplanade, N. Van “#1 Rated Touring Performance Tire” (Consumer Report, March/98) 980-2363 HAVE you recently added a furry, four- legged friend to your family? Kittens and puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to) serous injury. Here are some tips on how yeu can make your house safer fer the new arrival. Young aninials love to chew when theyre teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach or use a pet-repellent spray. B Chocolate can be danger- ous. It contains theo- bromine, a powerful stimu: lant that is toxie to pets, especially dogs. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animals — gastro- intestinal tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting which can be serious. @ Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury. WM Mony cleaning agents such as bleach, ammonia, disinfee- rants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, and Sunday, June 20, 1999 -~ North Shore News ~- 39 rat porson are extremely dain gerous to pets and should: be kept locked up. B Pets, especially cats. are attracted to the odeur and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it ina high place and tightly sealed. wiping up any spills on the garage floor or driveway immediately. Window washing solution also contains antifreeze. B Poisonous plants metude lifes, phitodendron, dieften- bachia, elephant ear, cuicalyp Jopider plants, azalea, ivy, aia vile, prracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs. @ ff vou treat vour laven with chemicals, keep pets away, Read and follow label diree- tions carefully. . B Puppies and kitrens grow rapidly. Collars and harnesses can be quickly ourgrown, leading to serious wounds. @ Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair “perm” solu- tions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, anti- histamines, aspirin and aceta- minophen can all be lethal to pets. @ Bon't leave plascc bays out, Inquisitive young ani mals, especially Kittens, can stiffocate. @ Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Kittens and young puppies can fallin and not be able to get out. @ Rule of thumb: Tf any cr all of something wilf fit ina mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, bal- loons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and, yes. even pantyhose. Because What goes in must come out, often via surgery. B Consider pet inyeranee. A single accident or illness can be financially devastating. Pet insurance can help case the financial burden, helping owners make an immediate decision to proceed with expensive testing or treat: ment. If vou'd like to find out more about pet insur- ance, contact Pet Plan ar 1- 800-268-1169 or visit their Web’ site at . — Information provided by News Canada on behalf of Pet Plan. ee ee ee woe ATTENTION! JEEP OWN ERS S < igcaTion j iL. new Complete mechanica! & electrica! repairs 4 JEEP ON by factory trained technician i i iMEEX AUTO 1166A West 14th Street Tel: 985-3237 (off Pemberton Ave., entrance at rear) ot a) ee ee ee es Bre time has just flown by! It’s hard for-us to believe, but we’ve had the honor of provid- ing quality, compassionate pet care to the North Shore community for 20 years. We've seen amazing advances in veterinary medicine, like ultra- sound, dentistry, and eye care. Advances we’ve been excited to include in our practice the mo- ment they were introduced. Ad- vances that allow us. to provide your pets with complete care. But what we've enjoyed ° most of all is not just caring for your pets, but caring about y your pets. Helping them live the healthy, happy lives they deserve. Loving them as much as you do. Because that’s what our lives are all about. it’s our 20th anniversary, but you get the gift! 165 Riverside Drive North Vancouver Gust off tbe Upper Levels at the Second Narrows Bridge) | FREE “Healthy Pet” Exain . “This free exam includes: : ® Check for healthy eyes, ears, nose, throat, joints, paws, and pads ¢ Check for healthy teeth and gums « Listen to heart and lungs, and chieck abdomen _ irritations Examine skin for parasites and other * Consultation to discuss findings and treatment.recommendations ; ($40 value) a * Offer available to new clients only, please. * Offer valid for the next 30 days. 26 GSP Oe ee ee es ee oe ee ee We om orn es meow ene rs we we ee cane pha iy)