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Dog-Tober

National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Photo courtesy of Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control

"The number of dogs and cats euthanized every year has gone down, but annually there are about 2.7 million healthy shelter dogs and cats who aren't adopted." -www.humanesociety.org Photo courtesy of Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control

1. When considering a new addition to your family, consider adopting from your local animal shelter or pet rescues. Often, rescue pets are more affordable and come with the "whole package," like vaccines, training, socialization, free vet check ups, trial bags of food, microchips and much more! Check with your local rescue or shelter to see what their adoptions offer!

2. We all have a favorite breed, and that's okay! Today, there are many specialized rescues for various breeds. Try resources like Petfinder and The Shelter Pet Project to search for exactly what you want! You can enter gender, breed, age, and much more.

3. Shelter pets are screened and tested for good health. Many shelters and rescues provide a spay/neuter program and vaccinations, if the pet is the appropriate age. Check with your rescue to see what is included in your adoption.

4. Shelter pets are also screened for good behavior. Many dogs are tested for aggression, both with food and toys.

5. Some shelters or rescues will help with training! Pet parenting classes are becoming more popular, and some shelters even offer free classes for new pet parents.

6. Consider adopting older pets. Older pets have "been around the block" and know a thing or two about pleasing their pet parents. Usually, less training is required with pets that have outgrown their juvenile years.

7. We're all pet lovers, and if we all wish we could adopt them all! If you aren't able to open your home permanently to a new fur-child consider fostering or volunteering for a local rescue or shelter. Check with your local rescues and shelters for specific volunteer and foster home opportunities. You'll get the benefit of the cuddles and the heart-warming feeling of helping animals.


8. Consider donating to your favorite rescue or shelter. Donations don't always need to be monetary, either. If your pet has old supplies they don't use anymore, the shelter pets would love new toys and beds. There are also pet food pantries that accept food donations.

9. Pampered Pets in Fort Wayne is celebrating Adopt a National Dog month by beginning a new sponsorship with Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. We will be offering free spa baths for any dog adopted from ACC, within the first 10 days of adoption! We are also sponsoring one very special dog each month and offering special offers and gifts to be redeemed at the Pampered Pets Fort Wayne location! Stop in to ACC today, or check our Facebook, to meet the lucky dog and see the exclusive offer!

National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18-24, 2014

Statistics show that every year there are over 4,500,000 dog bites each year with at least 800,000 resulting in need of medical attention. Unfortunately, most of these bites deal with children and result in an average of 400,000 children being treated for dog bites annually.

One thing to remember is no dog is exempt from biting. Even a small dog can bite and cause serious injuries. National Dog Bite Prevention Week, sponsored by American Veterinary Medical Association, is designed to help bring awareness and teach the public how to prevent dog bites. Several things can be done to protect you and your family including the following:

• Always make sure one's dog is on a leash when outdoors. This will help ensure the owner has better control of their dog and a bite is less likely to happen. While out of the house, avoid putting the dog in situations where they may feel threatened or be subject to teasing. Make sure your dog will understand and obey basic commands before having out in the general public. Make sure you spay/neuter your pet, keep them up-to-date on all vaccinations (including rabies), and exercise your pet regularly. Most importantly, never allow a child to handle a dog without adult supervision.
• Be sure to educate your children about the safety of dogs even if you currently do not have a dog in your household. Children should know to exercise caution when approaching a dog that is unknown to them. Be sure your children also know how important it is to seek permission from the dog's owner before approaching them.
• If you are unsure about a dog's temperament, avoid situations where you may run past a dog giving the dog a reason to become excited or possibly aggressive. Never put yourself in a situation where you are disturbing a dog that is sleeping, taking care of puppies, or eating. If a dog makes one feel threatened, stay still and most of all, remain calm!

A number of things can be done to prevent dog bites such as proper dog/owner training and making sure the pet has great socialization skills. Having proper information and education about dogs, and their specific breeds, are the best ways to prevent dog bites.

Parker's Pointers

            Although it is not common, sometimes we cats need to be given a good bath once in a while.  Our curiosity may get the best of us and we can get dirty or possibly something sticky in our coat.  I wanted to take a moment to share some great tips for anyone giving my feline friends a bath.

            Please keep in mind the reason we do not like to get wet is because our fur does not insulate well when it is wet.  So, the best time to give us a bath would be during a mellow point in our day.  Perhaps a play session prior to our bath would help tire us out a little.

            Since water is not one of our most favorite things, some believe that a little trim of our nails would be in your best interest.  When we are surrounded by water, we have this uncontrollable urge to try and get away to hide in a warm, dry place.

            To ensure the best possible outcome of cleanliness, a good brushing to get out extra fur would be wonderful.  I know I really love a good brushing and this would also help me relax and remain calm before going into, what I believe to be, the watery torture.  If we are willing, cotton balls in our ears will also help to keep water out of our ears during the bath.

            A great way to keep a good handle on us while we’re in the tub or sink is to lie a rubber bath mat down.  This way, it will be more difficult for us to slide around while being washed.  All that is needed for us is three to four inches of lukewarm water.  Please avoid hot water as our skin is very sensitive.

            Now is the time where we have to get wet.  Use a hand-held spray house to wet us down, paying close attention not to get any water in our ears, eyes, or nose.  If you don’t have a spray house, anything plastic like a pitcher or cup will work great.

            Since our skin is so sensitive, try to avoid using human shampoo.  Use a mixture of one part cat shampoo to five parts water and gently massage from head to tail.  Then, rinse all the shampoo off making sure all suds are gone since this can irritate our skin if left on.

            You can use a wet washcloth to carefully wipe our faces.  Again, be careful not to get water into our eyes, ears, or nose. 

            Finally, wrap us in a large, comfy towel and keep us in a warm, non-stressful place to dry.  I’m not a big fan of a hair dryer, but if your feline companions don’t mind it you can use that on a low setting.

Now comes the best part… after such an experience I am rewarded for being a good boy with praise and my favorite treats!  I hope this inside scoop straight from the cat’s mouth will help make your next feline bathing experience a little smoother.

                                                                                                Pawsfully Yours,

                                                                                                                        Parker

Pet First Aid Awareness Month

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and a great opportunity for pet owners to brush up on tips from the American Red Cross to keep their animals safe and healthy as we head into spring and summer.

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke is one of the most common problems pets face in the warmer weather when they are not yet used to the warm temperatures. Pet owners should remember that the inside of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees in warm weather and should not leave their animals in the car, even during short trips. This can quickly lead to heat stroke. The signs of heat stroke include:

Heavy panting and being unable to calm down, even when lying down.

The pet’s gums may be brick red, they may have a fast pulse rate, or they may not be able to get up.

If someone suspects their pet has heat stroke, they should take the pet’s temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees Fahrenheit, they should cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring the pet to the veterinarian immediately as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

OTHER HAZARDS

Open doors and windows can be hazardous to a pet. The animal may try to get outside, increasing the risk of falling from windows or being hit by a vehicle. Some plants and flowers can be hazardous. For instance, many lilies are very poisonous to cats. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control web site to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals. If someone thinks their animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, they should contact their veterinarian.

PET FIRST AID

Courses are available at many Red Cross chapters on how to care for your pet. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid Guides with DVDs that teach basic responsibilities like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters. Visit Redcross.org/training or call 1-800 RED CROSS to see when classes are available. The Guides are available through the Red Cross Store.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET HEALTHY

Pet owners can follow these important steps to help keep their pet healthy:

Give pets plenty of exercise.

Make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water.

Make sure they get regular yearly checkups with their veterinarian, and are up to date on vaccines, especially rabies.

Get pets spayed or neutered.

Keep dogs on leashes outside – another animal may be too much temptation

Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until veterinary care is available

EMERGENCIES AND YOUR PET

Don’t forget to include pets in planning for emergencies in your home or neighborhood:

Make plans to take your pets with you if you have to evacuate.

Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, boarding facilities will accept pets in an emergency.

Assemble an easy-to-carry kit with emergency supplies for pets: Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers

Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener

Medications and copies of medical records

Current photos of the pets

Pet First Aid Awareness Month is a great time for people to learn how to protect their pet and keep them healthy. More information on how to keep pets in good health are located on the Red Cross Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist.

National Animal Poison Prevention

Did you know that March 16-22 is National Animal Poison Prevention week.  Here is a list our poisonous plants.  Keep pet safe!

 

If you’re getting ready to plant a garden or dogscape your backyard, the ASPCA warns pet parents to cross the following plants off your list, since they can be highly toxic to your pooch.

• Sago Palm: Although the entire plant is poisonous, the seeds or “nuts” contain the most toxins. Even if your dog only eats a seed or two, serious effects including vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure can occur.
• Tulips: The bulbs contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
• Azalea/Rhododendron: These plants contain grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
• Oleander: All parts of this plant are considered to be toxic and have the potential to cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
• Castor Bean: This plant contains ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.
• Cyclamen: The highest concentration of the toxic cyclamine is in the root. If your dog eats it, it can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported.
• Kalanchoe: Ingestion of this plant can result in gastrointestinal irritation, as well as seriously affect heart rhythm and rate.
•  Yew: This pine contains taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.
• Amaryllis: These flowers, popular around Easter, contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.
• Chrysanthemum: This popular flower contains pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Depression and loss of coordination may also develop if your dog eats a large amount of this plant.
• English Ivy: Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, it contains triterpenoid saponins that can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.
• Peace Lily: These flowers contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
• Pothos: If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Schefflera: This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.

If your dog ingests any of these plants and appears to be ill, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-213-6680.

No Chocolate for Fido!

          What is Valentine’s Day without a box of chocolates? And if your dog is more family member than pet, you may be guilty of sharing human food with them! Although some human foods are fine, in moderation, this is definitely not the case with chocolate. Chocolate can poison your dog, making them very ill and can even kill dogs.

          No amount of chocolate is good for your dog to consume. However, dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate pose a higher risk than milk chocloate and white chocolate. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Truly toxic amounts can induce hyperactivity, tremors, high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, seizures, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

          So what should you do if your dog eats chocolate? Call your Vet or Local Pet Emergency Clinic right away. Try to find out the type of chocolate and amount of chocolate they ate. This is important information your Vet will want to know. “Waiting it out” is never a good option. With any poisoning, it’s always cheaper, less invasive, and has a better outcome if you treat early. Once your dog has already developed symptoms and is affected by the poison, it makes for a much more expensive veterinary visit!

Cold Weather Tips!

     We have recently experienced extremely cold temperatures. Although the temperature has risen, we are not in the clear yet! Extreme temperatures, whether it is too hot or too cold, are unsafe for pets. Here are some tips on keeping your pets safe during these cold temperatures and ways you can help out other pets too!

       Try to keep pets indoors and warm. Don't leave dogs or cats outside in the cold. If you still feel the pet needs a walk, keep it short! No matter what the temperature, the wind chill can be dangerous for pets, exposed skin on noses, ears, and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage.. Pets are sensitive to severe cold. They are at a higher risk for frostbite and hypothermia when they are outdoors during extreme cold conditions.

       If your pet is an outdoor pet, make sure they have plenty of food and water. Pets that spend a lot of time outside need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Check your pet's water dish regularly to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

       Watch out for pets trying to keep warm under your car. Warm engines in parked cars attract pets that may crawl up under the hood to keep warm. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

       The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them gets these chemicals in their mouth. They do make pet friendly salt; using this around your house may be a good idea.

       If you can, keep your pet inside as much as possible. Let outside pets into a garage or covered barn, somewhere away from the wind and blowing snow. If this is not possible, make sure they have a secure dog house to go into. Blankets and straw will help them stay warm, even if the area is unheated. If you see an outdoor pet that does not have the proper bedding or shelter to get though the cold weather, please call your local Animal Care and Control to report it.