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Sammy, a two-year-old mixed breed shelter rescue dog, is led up the ramp of the dog friendly Honda Element concept car displayed at the 2009 New York International Auto Show on April 9. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

NEW YORK (AP) — A new offering from Honda Motor Co. may get dogs more interested in checking out the inside of their ride rather than hanging their heads out the window.

The Japanese automaker showed off a "Dog Friendly" version of the Honda Element SUV at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday. The concept features a cushioned pet bed with safety restraints in the cargo area, a spill-resistant water bowl, and even a ventilation fan to keep canines comfortable. A folding ramp gives animals an easy way to get in and out.

In the back seat, there's an integrated pet carrier and machine-washable seat covers to make it convenient and safe to carry smaller pets. The rubber floor mats feature a toy-bone pattern, and paw-print emblems on the side and back of the vehicle draw attention to its pet-friendly status.

Honda says it's still finalizing the features, but the Dog Friendly Element will be available this fall.

"Pets have become more like family, more important to households than ever before," said James Jenkins, a senior product planner for Honda. "We felt this was the perfect vehicle to offer such dog friendly features."

The Element already is appealing to pet owners because of features such as its easy-to-clean flooring in the cargo area and its wide doors.

Honda showed an interest in pets through the "Wonderful Openhearted Wagon" concept the company unveiled in 2005. That demonstration model included pet-friendly materials, a place for small animals to ride right up front, and a larger pet carrier that popped up from the floor in the back seat. Pet owners quickly started clamoring for Honda to put the features into production, Jenkins said.

The new Element may help Honda find a powerful niche market to revive sales of the Element, which are down 61 percent in the first three months of this year.

It's no secret that pet owners are willing to open their pocketbooks to pamper their pooches. There are about 75 million dogs in the U.S., and the market for pet products and services totaled more than $43 billion last year, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Pricing for the Dog Friendly Element hasn't been disclosed, but standard versions of the vehicle start around $21,000, including destination charges.

Gov. Tim Kaine signed a bill last week that requires antifreeze to be spiked with an bitter tasting chemical that will deter pets from licking the sweet-but-toxic substance.
Antifreeze kills approximately 10,000 pets a year, according to Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. Admundson added that the 10,000 reported deaths are a "low estimate."

The bill was sponsored by Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), who introduced it in January.

"One of my constituents, Yvonne Royster, came in and told me that she had learned about the accidental poisoning of two dogs on her postal route," Cox is quoted in an article on zootoo.com. "She was very concerned, and I thought, 'Let's take a look at this, and see if there is a way to stop these animals from dying.' "

Virginia is now one of seven other states that has adopted such a measure. Oregon passed such a law almost 15 years ago, while Washington, New Mexico, Arizona, Tennessee, Maine and California did so in the last few years.

The law specifically calls for all imported car engine coolants/antifreeze that have more than 10 percent ethylene glycol also contain denatonium benzoate. The compound is innocuous, but it adds a bitter taste.

According to Cox, two-thirds of American veterinarians report seeing at least one animal poisoned by engine coolant each year.

Antifreeze poisoning affects the central nervous system and can eventually lead to kidney and liver failure. Engine coolant and other chemicals should be securely stored where curious pets and children can't get them.

"For a 25-pound dog, it can take just as much as a few licks for this stuff to take effect," Amundson is quoted.

According to the zootoo.com article, there are three main plants that manufacture the product in this country - those plants now set aside specific batches of antifreeze to ship off to states like Virginia.

Amundson said the main manufacturer of antifreeze has worked cooperatively with lawmakers and the HSUS, for passage of the bill.

"...[t]hat is a really special, rare situation, where the corporations and animal protection advocates were able to come together," she said. "It's been a wonderful, collaborative effort."

All this sounds great to me, but what I wonder is why the manufacturers don't just add the chemical to all the antifreeze, regardless of where it goes? If they know it prevents pet deaths, why only add it where it's required and not everywhere? 

Perhaps it's more cost effective to seperate the batches, but I would gladly pay more for a product that I know is safer, whether it's required by law or not.

You may have heard that Oprah Winfrey recently lost a puppy to parvo, a common, deadly doggy virus.

The talk show host adopted Ivan, pictured here being held by guest Ali Wentworth, and Sadie, held here by Winfrey, from a cocker spaniel rescue group. Ivan was sickened by the virus before he could complete the vaccination process.

Sadie was also infected and is reported to be recovering from the virus.

I get a daily e-mail from the Web site Woof Report that included one of the best layman's explanation of parvo I have read. Every pet parent, especially of new puppies, should be aware of parvo and what can be done to prevent and treat it.

From The Woof Report:

What is parvo?
Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and in some cases the heart muscles of puppies and dogs. Puppies under four months of age that have yet to be vaccinated an especially high risk. 

What are the symptoms of parvo?
Lethargy, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting and severe, often bloody diarrhea. The symptoms can cause rapid dehydration and most deaths from parvo occur just 48 to 72 hours after the signs appear. It is critical that dogs receive immediate veterinary care.

How does parvo spread?
Parvo spreads through direct contact with infected dogs and contaminated feces and surroundings like kennels, food bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands, shoes and clothing of people who interact with infected dogs. The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.

How is parvo treated?
A vet will confirm the diagnosis with a fecal test. Since there is no specific drug available to kill the virus, the treatment is intended to help the dog’s immune system fight the virus. This includes replacing fluid loss and electrolytes, controlling diarrhea and vomiting and preventing further infection.

Dogs with parvo are kept isolated to avoid contaminating other dogs, and all blankets, beds, toys, and items the dog had contact with are disinfected to help control the spread of this contagious disease.

How can parvo be prevented?
Vaccination and good hygiene are essential in preventing parvo. Adult dogs' vaccinations should be up-to-date. Puppies must receive a complete series of canine parvovirus vaccinations.

The Woof Report recommends that do not put your puppy on the floor anywhere outside your home to avoid contact with infected dogs or feces.

"Since this is a critical time for puppy socialization, carry your pup in your arms to see the outside world and only socialize with healthy dogs that you know are vaccinated," the report said. "Reputable training or puppy social classes are fine too since they reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations for participation and maintain a sterile environment."

(Photo from the Chicago Sun-Times Web site)

I got a press release today from the ASPCA warning that a common house plant, a sago palm, pictured here, is highly toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Noshing on this innocent looking plant has already claimed the life of a young dog in Florida.

Since spring quietly arrived today, I know lots of people will soon be airing out their houses and getting ready to add plants to patios and gardens. Before you head to the garden center, it may be wise to review the list of safe and not-so-safe foliage to prevent inadvertently poisoning a pet.

Click here to see the ASPCA list for plants. This includes the phone number for the ASPCA poison control hotline, but keep in mind that, in order to maintain the world's most extensive list of possible poisons for pets, the ASPCA charges $65 to answer any questions. So if you have to call, have your credit card ready.

Alaska Canine Cookies of Anchorage is recalling Peanut Butter, Power Bone and Carrot Cake flavors of Canine Cookies because they were manufactured using peanuts recalled by Peanut Corporation of America and could be contaminated with salmonella.

The company issued the voluntary recall on March 10. Click here to read the full news release published on the FDA's Web site. The release contains a detailed description of each of the recalled snacks including gift basket packaging.

The cookies were sold at four stores in Alaska and through the company's Web site.

Lots of pet-related news to share with you today:

Big savings for small donations:

Black Dog Salvage, the architectural salvage store located at 902 13th Street at the Memorial Bridge in Old Southwest, is now a permanent drop-off location for pet food donations for the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

The RVSPCA collects donated pet food to distribute to needy families through Manna Ministries and Meals on Wheels. The expected need for families in the Roanoke area is 40,000 pounds per year.

To kick-off the food drive, the store is offering a 25 percent discount on all merchandise to customers that donate 6 or more cans or 8-pound or larger bags of food at the Black Dog.

The store is chock full of relics and antiques from commercial salvage and it's also the home of the Memorial Bridge Marketplace that features home and garden accessories from vendors and local artisans.

Call 343-6200 for more information.

Quick Take Pets

Photographer Kevin Hurley is offering 20-minute portrait sessions for pets for a sitting fee of $49 today and tomorrow. Hurley will donate $25 of each sitting fee to three local non-profit groups: the Roanoke Valley SPCA, St. Francis Service Dogs, and the Roanoke Dog Park.

The studio is located at 1360 Maple Avenue SW. Call 345-3055 for an appointment.

Adoptathon at PetSmart

The Roanoke Valley SPCA will have adoptable pets at the PetSmart store at Valley View on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Doggy curfew in Campbell County

Finally, if you live in Campbell County, you should be aware that you are required by county ordinance to keep your dogs confined to your home or yard for a five-week period, beginning April 13 and ending May 15, from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Friday.

According to the public safety news release, the ordinance is intended to assist in identifying and capturing stray dogs.

Beagles and other hounds engaged in lawful hunting, the news release says, are exempt while they are hunting or training, but they need to have proper identification, specifically the owner's name and telephone number, attached to their collars while they are out.

During the confinement period, any such wayward beagle or hound picked up as one of the usual suspects will be returned to the owner without penalty.

PetSmart has recalled seven of its Grreat Choice Dog Biscuit products as a precaution against possible salmonella contamination.

Though there have been no reported cases of illness, the company has withdrawn the dog biscuits, which contain peanut paste made by the Peanut Corp of America (PCA), from store shelves and its online shop.

According to PetSmart's Web site, you should discontinue feeding these biscuits to your dog and return them to the store for a refund. Call PetSmart's Customer Service line at 1-888-839-9638 with any questions.

These UPCs numbers are recalled:

Here are a few safety reminders for the holidays, courtesy of the Paw Prints e-newsletter from the Roanoke Valley SPCA, [with a few notes from me]: 

1. Avoid Christmas tree disasters.  Christmas trees are a wonderful tradition, but they can lead to problems if you have a curious critter. 


a. Prevent the tree from tipping.  Anchor it to the ceiling or wall.  . [We attached a big old piece of plywood to the base of one of our trees. Makes the tree very sturdy.]

b. Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree
 

c. Tinsel can be deadly when eaten. It can twist in your dog or cat's intestines and cause serious problems.  Just don't put it on your tree. [Tinsel cost a friend of mine big $$ in a vet bill.]
 

d. Don't let your pets drink the tree's water. It often contains chemicals to help the tree last longer; these chemicals can cause severe indigestion. 
 

e. Pine needles can cause health problems. If ingested, they can puncture holes in your pet's intestines. Regularly sweep up fallen pine needles to avoid a trip to the emergency clinic.

 
2. Mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis are toxic.  Be aware of these poisonous holiday plants and keep your pets away from them. [I have heard that poinsettias are poisonous and I've heard they are not. Why take a chance? We have some really nice fake ones we got at Michael's, and we reuse them every year.]


3. Keep "blowing" snow in the globe.  Many snow globes contain antifreeze, which is extremely toxic to dogs-so it's best to keep snow globes and all antifreeze out of the reach of a happy, tail-wagging dog.  If there is an antifreeze spill of any kind, send your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid.  Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to make sure your dog does not lick these harmful chemicals later. 


4. Holiday sweets are not pet treats.  Candy, cookies, cakes, peppermints and especially chocolate can trigger life-threatening illnesses in dogs and upset tummies in cats. [Pork is bad for dogs too, so avoid the ham.]


5.  Make no bones about it.  Cooked turkey and chicken bones are not for dogs or cats as they can easily break and cause choking, and bone shards can get stuck in your pet's gums.  Stick with "bones" and other treats specifically designed for dogs and cats to chew.  Ask your local veterinarian for suggestions. [If you have to give a human food treat, white meat is usually a safe bet.]


6. A relaxed dog is a good dog.  Most dogs are excitable when guests arrive.  Exercise your dog prior to the arrival of guests.  After 30 minutes of walking or playing, most dogs will be more relaxed or ready to take a nap.  As a general rule, it's best not to allow the family dog to greet unfamiliar guests.  Commotion and unusual circumstances can cause stress for dogs [not to mention your guests!]  Give your dog a break in a quiet room with a familiar doggie bed or blanket.  Allow your canine companion to join the festivities after the initial commotion of arrival has subsided. 


7. Keep the liquids flowing! When pets are stressed by unfamiliar circumstances, they typically pant more, so keep fresh water readily available for them to drink. 


8. Beware of cold and snowy weather. While it might be convenient to put your pets outside when guests arrive for holiday festivities, falling temperatures and snow can be dangerous to them.  In addition, never let your pet roam freely, as icy roads can make it hard for cars to stop if your dog or cat wanders into the street. 


9. Do not give pets as surprise gifts! A cute and cuddly new pet might seem the perfect gift choice, but many of these holiday presents end up at animal shelters.  A pet takes a real commitment of time, and adoptive owners must be ready to participate in training and managing the responsibility of their new family member.  The RVSPCA has gift certificates available so the animal lover on your list can find his new best friend when the time if right. 


10. Add your pet to your gift list. Help your pets stay occupied and out of the holiday decorations by giving them their own gifts.  The Kong™ or any other solid rubber toy that are nearly indestructible, will distract your dog for long periods of time.  This is the season for all things merry and that includes our furry friends.  Following these simple tips will help make the festivities safe and happy for our canine companions, too. 


Information compiled from SPCA International

This does not affect products sold in Virginia, but I know we have a few readers from other parts of the country, so here's the information:

Voluntary Product Withdrawal - Turkey Canned FoodDecember 15, 2008

Solid Gold Voluntary Product Withdrawal - Turkey, Ocean Fish, Carrot, & Sweet Potatoes Formula

Turkey, Ocean Fish, Carrot, & Sweet Potatoes Formula Canned Dog Food
13.2 oz
Cans – POP-TOP CANS ONLY WITH A 'USE BY DATE 01/02/2010' located on the bottom of can

A limited production of this Turkey canned food was made with the POP-TOP, and none of the product was distributed in any of the following states:
Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Hawaii, or Alaska.

Solid Gold has received several complaints regarding mold found in a batch of 13.2 oz canned Turkey, Ocean Fish, Carrot, & Sweet Potatoes Formula, with Pop-Tops. As a precautionary measure, they ask that you return any of this product with the 'Use By Date 01/02/2010'; you will find these numbers on the bottom of the cans.

* 13.2 oz Turkey and Ocean Fish Canned Dog Food.
* Purple label with a POP –TOP (Pull top) only..
* Date on bottom of can 01/02/2010
* Turkey and Ocean Fish cans without a Pop-Top are not affected.

By Tonia Moxley

GLEN LYN -- About 230 police officers and community members honored a fallen Giles County police dog Monday at the church where the dog was killed in a friendly fire incident on Friday.

The officer who shot Carsen, a 3-year-old Belgian malinois, while both were responding to a reported break-in at the Glen Lyn Church of Christ, spoke at the memorial service.

Sgt. Richard Gautier of the Pearisburg Police Department stood before a sea of K-9 officers from across the state and took responsibility for the shooting, saying neither Carsen nor Carsen's handler, Giles County Sgt. Scott Dunn, were to blame.

"He felt like it was the time and the place to do that," Giles County Sheriff Morgan Millirons said of Gautier.

Millirons had withheld the name of the responsible officer, saying that those involved were taking the dog's death very hard.

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