Pet Briefs

Cat Nap campaign to benefit Komen

Purina Cat Chow continues its three-year commitment to breast cancer awareness by donating $200,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Inspired by cancer survivors' stories of the role their cats played during their battle with cancer, Purina Cat Chow began a relationship with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2008 to honor the bond between cat owners and their pets.

The campaign invites breast cancer awareness supporters nationwide to become a fan of www.Facebook.com/PurinaCatChow and register beginning Sept. 9 to take a 20-minute cat nap during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Purina Cat Chow will donate $2 for each registered "cat napper" up to $150,000. This is on top of the Purina Cat Chow's 2010 donation of $200,000. All donations will go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

ASPCA provides tips on bedbugs

The recent bedbug epidemic has many people concerned about the well-being of their families, homes and even pets.

For worried pet owners, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides information about these insects and how to protect pets from an infestation.

Bedbugs, a member of the insect family Cimicidae, are small, seminocturnal, blood-sucking parasitic insects that feed primarily on human blood. Although they have been known to afflict warm-blooded animals such as dogs and cats, mice and birds are more commonly affected.

"It is important for pet owners to know that bedbugs do not live on the body of their host," says Tina Wismer, the ASPCA's senior director of Veterinary Outreach and Education. "Bedbugs generally prefer locations where people sleep, such as bed frames, mattresses or carpeting. Therefore, it's not necessary to physically treat your pet for bedbugs."

Exterminating bedbugs can be extremely difficult, as they are capable of surviving up to a year without feeding, can adapt to a range of temperatures and often live in extremely small cracks or crevices in furniture, walls, or floors. Vacuuming carpets and washing bedding, including pets' bedding, may help reduce an infestation. However, to effectively rid one's home of bedbugs, most experts suggest extermination by a pesticide.

"Perhaps the biggest danger pets could face from bedbugs is the use of pesticides to exterminate them," Dr. Wismer says. "However, the chemical pyrethrin, which is often used in eradicating bedbugs, can be safe if used correctly around pets. Pet owners should discuss safety precautions with their exterminator or even with their vet before beginning the treatment process."

The ASPCA suggests contacting a professional exterminator to eliminate bedbugs from the home.

For those who decide to treat their homes themselves, the ASPCA strongly recommends precisely following all directions and precautions outlined on the pesticide product's label.

Typically, this involves keeping pets out of the treated area until the insecticide product is dry and the area is well- ventilated.

If your dog or cat is exposed to a potentially toxic substance, contact your local veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Compiled by Brenda Rindge. Send items to pets@postandcourier.com.