Poison Prevention Tips
Potentially poisonous substances are a threat in every home, but becoming aware of these hazards could be enough to save your pet’s life. Every year the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) release a list of the previous year’s most prevalent pet toxins. Ingestion of the following common household items resulted in almost 200,000 calls for potentially poisoned pets in 2010.
Pet-proof your home today to help ensure that 2011 is a safer year for our furry friends!
•Medications: Many medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medication. To put it into perspective, as little as one acetaminophen tablet can be fatal to a feline.
•Insecticide: While lawn and garden products do pose a threat to your pet’s health, the most serious cases of insecticide poisoning were the result of the improper use and application of flea and tick preventives. These topical treatments, specified for cat or dog, often list pyrethrins or pyrethroids as active ingredients. These two insecticides are highly toxic. Using medication intended for a canine on your feline friend can prove hazardous to their health since they are more likely to ingest the substance when grooming. Be cautioned that even if you treat your dog with either of these two insecticides, your cat may still lick it off your dog and become contaminated.
•Rodenticides: Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based, which means they may look like a tempting treat for your pet. Unfortunately, this “treat” can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, or seizures. Please be mindful when placing traps.
•People Food: Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic may be tasty to us, but are harmful for our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can lead to anemia. Xylitol, a substance used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and even death.
•Plants: With flowers in bloom, it’s important to know that one of the most poisonous plants to your four-legged friend is the common lily. These delicious smelling flowers are common décor in homes, but they also toxic enough to cause fatal kidney failure!
•Household Cleaners: Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/what-to-do-if-your-pet-is-poisoned.aspx
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat
Animal Disaster Preparedness
Most emergencies don’t come with a warning, so it’s best to be prepared for one to happen. Often overlooked, there are a lot of precautions you can take before one strikes to make sure you and your pet have a plan for safety. Here are some tips to follow for animal disaster preparedness.
• Rescue alert sticker – A free rescue alert sticker from the ASPCA offers valuable information about your pet including the species, breed, and name as well as contact information for your veterinarian. Be sure to apply this sticker in a highly visible spot for rescue workers in case of an emergency evacuation.
• Plan for emergency shelter for your pet – Surrounded by chaos, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a safe place for your furry friend. Not all disaster shelters accept pets; so decide where you will take your pet ahead of time. Make plans with family or friends, or create a list of recommended boarding facilities in advance of a disaster.
• Supplies and travel necessities – Keep these supplies clearly labeled and stored in a kit that is easy to carry. Be certain that all members of the house know where these supplies will be stored.
1. Pet First Aid Kit
2. Copies of your pet’s medical records
3. Two week’s supply of necessary medications
4. One week’s supply of canned/dry food
5. One week’s supply of bottled water
6. Paper towels, disinfectant, small disposable garbage bags
7. Collar, Leash and ID Tags (as well as recent photos of your pet should you become separated)
8. Crate or carrier, and a snuggly blanket
9. Disposable litter and litter tray
10. Toys, toys, toys!
Be sure to supplement this list by creating an emergency kit for the humans in your family too!
• Arrange temporary and permanent caregivers – When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility. When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.
• Evacuation plan - As pessimistic as it may sound, it’s important to plan for the absolute worst! If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:
1. Store your emergency kit close to an exit
2. Check your pet’s tags to make sure their ID is current, and includes a name, telephone number, and any pertinent medical needs. Include this information on your pet’s carrier as well.
3. Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
4. Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.
Additional Information:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Educate yourself on the benefits of spaying/neutering your pet
According to an estimate released by the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 3.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized a year. These astounding numbers are not just stray animals, but include the offspring of beloved household pets! As animal lovers and responsible pet owners, it is important that we understand the value and impact of having our pets spayed or neutered.
We realize that some pet owners are weary of scheduling a spay or neuter appointment for fear that this procedure will hurt their four-legged pal. The reality is, these procedures are wildly beneficial to your furry companion! Still skeptical? Read on for the bountiful number of benefits spaying or neutering will provide your pet.
Both neutering, removing of a male’s testicles, and spaying, removal of the female’s reproductive organs, are performed while the dog or cat is under anesthesia so the animals do not feel any pain.
If your dog or cat is a new mom to her litter, it is important to know that she can still get pregnant while nursing. It is recommended to schedule a spay procedure just after her babies are weaned, about 4 to 6 weeks.
Though she may not thank you, rest assured that spaying your cat or dog would spare her, and you, the misery of her heat cycles. This will shift her behavior from seeking her prince charming, to being your adoring pet, all while eliminating the mess, nervous behavior, and stray male studs around your home. Oh, did we mention you are also drastically reducing her risk for many types of animal cancer?
Neutering your male dog or cat will reduce his natural urge to fight and spray, all while preventing testicular cancer. You will have an all-around better mannered little man as his hormones balance out, about 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery. He will be friendlier, and less likely to bite or attack. Also, cat lovers will be happy to know that neutered male cats live longer than male cats that are not neutered.
Take it one step further and look at how positively spaying and neutering impacts your community. You are supporting their efforts to control the unwanted animals that account for a majority of the homeless pet population in local shelters, as well as the most vicious bites and attacks reported to animal control.
When you consider all the perks to your pal, the cost to spay or neuter is well worth it. Consider it an investment in your pet’s health, and a big hoorah to you for doing your part to help control the pet population. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s painless spay or neuter procedure.
New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet
As long as you’re making a list of New Year’s resolutions for yourself, why not jot down a few for your pet as well?
Your pet needs your help to develop good habits. That’s why we’ve put together this list of potential New Year’s resolutions you and your pet can commit to together! Whether it’s brushing your pet’s teeth every day, making sure their meals are meeting their nutritional needs, or engaging in an easy to stick-to exercise routine, a small change can make a big impact on your pet’s life.
We’ve included a few of our favorites below:
Resolve to help your pet lose weight:
Humans aren’t the only ones affected by the obesity epidemic. Our pets’ waistlines are bulging, too. Nearly half our nation’s dogs and cats are overweight or obese, according to a study by the American Journal of Veterinary Research. All that extra weight can increase your pet’s risk for developing diabetes, arthritis, and a host of other ailments exacerbated by extra fat. Although you should always consult a veterinarian before committing to a regimented weight loss program for your pet, there are a few things you can start doing TODAY to battle the bulge:
•Remove your pet from the room when the family eats.
•Feed your pet several small meals throughout the day.
•Feed all meals and treats in the pet’s bowl only.
•Reduce snacks or treats.
•Provide non-food related attention.
Resolve to take better care of your pet’s appearance:
You’re not the only one who likes to be pampered. Make your pet feel like a whole new pooch, or kitty, with a head to tail makeover.
•Dental Care. Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause build-up on your pet’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. We recommend that you brush your canine or feline companion’s teeth every other day for optimal dental health.
•Grooming. Regular grooming sessions with a brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout their coat, preventing tangles and keeping their skin clean and irritant-free.
•Paw Care. Keep you dog’s paws in tiptop shape with regular nail trimming sessions. Meanwhile, make sure to provide your kitty with a scratching post since felines need to scratch to shed their outer nail sheaths and reveal the sharp, smooth claws underneath.
Resolve to spend more quality time with your pet:
The greatest gift you can give your pet is quality time together. Spend a few minutes each day playing with your pet. Exercise is essential for your pet’s mental and physical health because it relieves stress and boredom, improves circulation, builds muscle tone and can prevent or reduce behavioral problems.