Archive for the ‘Pet Safety’ Category

The story below was found on AJC.com and it really wrings my heart. Each and every one of our seven pets that we enjoy our lives with have their own stories of being homeless and not altered. Now they are living in the lap of luxury, being showered with affection and attention, are spayed and neutered, and only leave the house on a leash. It’s hard to imagine that they could have become one of the statistics, and be euthanized just because some person let his unaltered dog run free. It’s puppy season right now and any unaltered dog has a large chance of running off if they catch a whiff of the opposite sex. If you don’t have your dog spayed or neutered, please ask yourself why and then why not. There are MANY low cost spay and neuter clinics around Georgia. Here is a list of about 30 of them: Low Cost Spay/Neuter, Vaccinations and Veterinarians in Georgia

Here’s the AJC story:

Counties killing dogs, cats by the thousands

By Patrick Fox

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Troubled times are dooming more dogs and cats in metro Atlanta, and the same poor economy that puts animals in the pound ensures that many won’t get out.

Counties are cutting budgets at a time when animal shelters are putting down a growing number of animals. In the past two years, the number of cats and dogs destroyed at animal shelters in the five core metro counties has risen 24 percent. Last year, the counties killed almost 30,000 cats and dogs in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett.

Gwinnett County led 2009 with 7,588 cats and dogs put down, almost half of them because the shelter could not house them.

“We are trying to help citizens who are having financial trouble and can’t feed their animals by giving them food donated to the shelter by local merchants,” said Gwinnett police Lt. Mary Lou Respess, who is director of the county’s animal shelter. “The shelter also helps sponsor events at local pet supply stores to promote adoptions and is planning a free spay and neuter clinic this spring for pit and pit mixes, the most common breed at the shelter.”

All the adoption promotions in the world will never solve the problem, said Virginia Keller, president of the Spay Neuter Action Coalition of Georgia.

“These people just don’t get it,” she said. “There will never be enough homes for all the animals that are produced at today’s rate. Never. The answer to this problem is strictly spay and neuter.”

Keller said she has seen people repeatedly drop off puppies or kittens at the shelter with no thought that they could end the cycle with a simple operation on their dogs. Others, she said, get a $1,000 pure-bred puppy and think they’re going to get their money back by breeding it. But instead, it wanders down the street and produces some mixed-breed pups that the owner has to try to give away, she said.

“They think animal control is an adoption center,” Keller said. “No way. I don’t know how you get this idea across to people, unless they want to come and watch it happen.”

Another tack many animal rights groups take is offering to volunteer at shelters. Several groups in Gwinnett have said they would drum up volunteers, but Respess has said there are liability issues to consider when working inside the kennels.

There are some things volunteers can do. Gwinnett’s shelter has begun a program to get volunteers to walk the dogs. Gail La Berge, who heads the county animal advisory council, said the staff has found the dog-walking program improves the animals’ disposition and makes them more adoptable. She also said volunteers can sign up online and commit to times of their choice.

The Gwinnett shelter has also explored expanding hours into evenings to allow working families more time to visit and shop for a pet. Statistics show a noticeable increase in adoptions when the shelter remains open late, La Berge said, but budget cuts won’t allow for overtime, so the shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

The lean budget prompted the advisory council in mid-March to recommend increasing fees. The council, which recommends policy changes to the county commission, voted to double the charge for daily boarding to $10 and for quarantine to $200. But members balked at a suggestion to more than double the owner surrender fee from $20 to $50, fearing owners would abandon their animals on the streets. The fee was increased to $25.

Respess said the shelter offers reduced rates of $60 for spaying and neutering for animals that are being reclaimed, in lieu of the reclaim fee and subsequent boarding fees. The service includes rabies, DHLPP shots and microchip.

Other animal assistance groups operate on fewer dollars but with as much devotion.

“I think the increase is due to people losing their jobs,” said Samantha Shelton, founder and president of Furkids, the largest no-kill shelter in Georgia. “Yet there are so many resources out there that are available to people.”

Furkids operates a 5,000 square-foot facility for cats near Doraville. It also runs seven full-time adoption centers and has 20 active foster homes for dogs and kittens.

Over the past two years, the organization has seen donations plummet, yet it still offers free food and medical care to help owners keep their pets during tough times.

“I wish we could keep more of these pets in their homes, rather than people turning them over to animal control,” Shelton said.

Euthanasia counts at metro county shelters

	2007	2008	2009
Clayton
Cats	1,867	2,095	2,258
Dogs	3,095	3,715	4,099
Cobb
Cats	3,394	4,058	4,000
Dogs	3,095	3,715	4,099
DeKalb
Cats	1,077	1,895	1,843
Dogs	2,751	3,390	3,619
Fulton
Cats	464	400	565
Dogs	2,664	2,573	1,958
Gwinnett
Cats Dogs	3,169 2,763	4,025 2,966	4,588 3,020
Totals	23,874	28,091	29,612

The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.                – Charles Kuralt

This article was written by The Sunbear Squad and is very important for everyone to know. I learned in my Pet Tech First Aid Class how quickly a car gets hot. Please read this and pass along.

It’s already happening: dog deaths due to heat stroke in hot cars

I had another tip prepared for this week, but after reading four news articles this week about dogs dying of heat stroke, I changed my plans. It’s only April but spring is early this year. And as I learned, even the most dedicated animal rescue volunteers can lose track of time with deadly results.

Nine rescue dogs were waiting in the back of a closed truck without air conditioning while two animal rescue volunteers readied their adoption setup in a Georgia Petsmart on April 2, 2010. It was an unseasonably warm sunny day. When the volunteers returned to the truck to bring the dogs inside, they found unimaginable hell.

They found four dead puppies, one dead adult dog, one adult dog in extreme distress from heatstroke, and the three dogs suffering and deteriorating. They attempted to revive the dogs and then went the vet clinic, where the adult dog in extreme distress was euthanized. Three dogs lived. The volunteers and the rescue operator (who was not present) were devastated and suspended their rescue operations. The two volunteers are each charged with nine counts of animal cruelty. (Staged photo—no animal was harmed.)

Be prepared to take action to help save a dog from dying of heat stroke

What can you do if you see or hear an animal stuck in a hot vehicle? First, observe the situation carefully but quickly. Walk all around the vehicle, looking at all window openings, and notice if the motor is running with air conditioning on. Is there some shade? Is the dog or cat panting heavily and continuously? Or is the panting intermittent and related to the stress of your approach? Look for signs of drool or spittle around the mouth that might indicate prolonged panting.
If the animal doesn’t appear to be panting heavily and the air conditioning is running, leave, taking note of the time. Return in 15 minutes to check to ensure that the air is still running.
If the animal isn’t panting heavily, and the windows are generously open or the vehicle is in shade, leave, taking note of the time. Return every so often to check that the panting has not increased.
If the animal is already laying down, panting heavily and unable to rise, you must spring into action immediately. Act like a rescuer would, because heat stroke will kill this beloved pet in a few minutes. Enlist a passersby to witness your actions and quickly break a window with your elbow or a heavy object. Ask the witness to dial 911, and ask another one to RUN to the store service desk to insist on an immediate public address to the owner (describe the car and animal). Remove the suffering animal from the vehicle to a shady spot on nearby grass if you can do it safely, and fan the air overhead with anything handy. Ask if anyone has a water bottle; if so, dribble water into the animal’s mouth, and wet his ears and neck to speed cooling. Wait for the authorities and owners to arrive. Ignore any theft alarm; you are not a thief. You are a rescuer saving the life of someone’s pet.
If the animal is standing or sitting upright and panting heavily, you have more time. Write down the vehicle make and model, color, and license plates. Enlist a passerby to go to the service desk to request a public address to the owner. Stay with the dog or cat until the owner returns. If the owner doesn’t return in 10 minutes, and the animal is panting more heavily, call 911.

Why is heat so deadly to dogs?

They can’t perspire to exhaust body heat like we humans can. The only way they can rid their bodies of excess heat is through panting and limited perspiration through their paw pads. Heat stroke is quick to kill, and very young or old, obese, or unhealthy animals are more susceptible. What are the symptoms outside of heavy panting and drooling? Look for signs of restlessness (laying down and rising again and again), lethargy, dark tongue, lack of coordination, and even vomiting.
If you see dogs playing sports or running with their owners on hot days, be sure to say something! Veterinarians will tell stories of how quickly a happy dog can become overcome with heat stroke and die on a hot day. They will play or run until they drop. Vet clinics see them rushed into care by distraught owners, but only some can be saved.

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Please forward to animal lovers you know, and reproduce freely. Please credit Sunbear Squad.

I read the story below today and it got me thinking. This case of absolute cruelty and neglect took place right here in our backyard in Gwinnett County; Suwanee to be exact.  I believe it’s our responsibility to not even think twice before reporting neglect and cruelty to animals, but not everyone feels the same. Some people would rather not think about the dog chained to a tree next door, not even knowing whether or not the dog has food or water- the basic needs of all living creatures. I suppose this is because they don’t want to cause rifts with their neighbors.

There are many places that a person in this situation can contact for help. At the end of the story, which I found on CBS Atlanta, I’ll list a few places that can help if you know an animal in need of rescue from their humans.

Gwinnett County Man Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges

Two Dogs Were Found Nearly Starved To Death

By Jennifer Mayerle, CBS Atlanta Reporter

SUWANEE, Ga. — Police are investigating a severe case of animal abuse in Gwinnett County. Two dogs were found so skinny they were near death. Police have arrested their owner, Jimmy Mixon, on charges of animal cruelty.The dogs were found in the backyard of a home on Cherokee Trail in Suwanee. Billy Hooper was working in a yard next door. The dogs were in the backyard. He had seen the dogs before, but not like this.“I knew the dog was in trouble ’cause it was laying on the ground. It didn’t respond, when I talked to it, it just laid there and it was jerking,” said Hooper.There was a Shepherd-mix named Beau, and a Boxer named Titan.“They were real skinny, the bones were showing real bad in the stomach area,” said Hooper.Hooper called police. Mixon didn’t answer when reporter Jennifer Mayerle showed up to ask the tough questions about his dogs. He did offer an excuse, according to police reports, “He and his wife just had a baby and it had been difficult. He was sorry but he was doing the best he could.”Animal Control Officer Joey Brooks says there’s no excuse. The dogs didn’t get that way overnight and Mixon had to know the dogs were suffering.“Both of them were severely emaciated, when we walk up and find a dog laying there almost unconscious, then that’s very severe,” said Brooks.Titan was so fragile, he didn’t make it. Beau is putting on weight, but he may have suffered brain damage because of the lack of food and water.“If you can’t take care of them, don’t get them,” said Hooper.Beau is being treated by a vet until he’s healthier, which may take a few weeks. He’ll then be put up for adoption at Gwinnett County Animal Control.

What You Can Do About Animal Cruelty

The Humane Society of the United States

If you witness or suspect animal abuse or neglect, please take the following steps:

Document: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) can help bolster your case.

Contact Law Enforcement: Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff’s office and present your complaint and evidence. You may wish to remain anonymous, but doing so may make successful prosecution of the case more difficult.

Follow Up: Be the squeaky wheel. If it seems like your complaint is not being taken seriously, keep calling back. Scheduling an in-person meeting with the law enforcement agency may have a greater impact. If all else fails, getting local media interested in the story is a sure-fire way of grabbing the attention of law enforcement.

How are complaints investigated?

An officer will look into the complaint to see if animal cruelty statutes have been violated. Some agencies have the power to obtain and serve warrants; other agencies work closely with local police who execute the search warrant on their behalf.

If a violation has occurred, the officer may speak with the owner and issue a citation and give the owner a chance to correct the violation. This is more likely in cases of animal neglect.

In other cases, animal neglect or abuse may be extreme and require the animals to be removed by a humane agency to protect them. The agency will present the case to the prosecutor’s office for further evaluation and possible prosecution.

What role does The HSUS play in local animal abuse and neglect cases?

The Humane Society of the United States works with the public on individual cases of animal cruelty by providing rewards to citizens who provide information on animal cruelty and animal fighting leading to a conviction.

The HSUS also provides assistance and resources to animal shelters, animal control professionals, investigators and prosecutors around the country on issues involving illegal animal cruelty and animal fighting. We provide educational materials, training opportunities, recommended operations guidelines and other expertise.

We also lobby at state and national levels to strengthen laws protecting animals, increasing the likelihood that animal cruelty will be taken seriously by the legal system. For more information on animal abuse and what you can do to strengthen animal cruelty laws in your state, please visit The HSUS’ Animal Cruelty Campaign.

Who Do I Call to Report an Alleged Animal Cruelty Incident?

For Companion Animals (e.g., dogs, cats, exotic birds, pet rabbits, pot–bellied pigs)

• Report those persons holding an Animal Protection License issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (or those that should be licensed) to the Animal Protection Section at 1-800-282-5852, ext. 4914 or 404-656-4914, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Animal shelters, rescue groups and humane societies that house animals, pet breeders, pet dealers, pet shops, pet groomers, kennels, aviaries all require an Animal Protection License which must be prominently displayed at each licensed place of business.
• Report all other persons to the local law enforcement agency and the animal control office, if one exists in the area.  Report to the municipal or county police department or county sheriff’s department using the non-emergency number, unless the alleged perpetrator is actively involved in an act that threatens an animal’s life. If you suspect that other crimes (e.g., illegal drug activity or gambling) are involved, be sure to report this as a part of the call.

For Equine (e.g., horses, mules, donkeys, zebras)

• Report to the Georgia Department of Agriculture Equine Health Section at 1-800-282-5852, ext. 3713 or 404-656-3713, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or to the local law enforcement agency and the animal control office, if one exists in the area.

For Other Livestock (e.g., cattle, swine, goats, sheep, poultry, llamas)

• Report to your local municipal or county police department or county sheriff’s department.

For Captive Wildlife or Exotic Animals (e.g., whitetail deer, raptors, large cats)

• Report to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division at 770-761-3044,Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

For Circus or Zoo Animals (e.g., elephants, primates, circus dogs)

• Report to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Care, Regional Office, Raleigh, N.C. at 919-716-5532, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

I’ve received the same email several times throughout the years about cocoa mulch, which Denny and I don’t buy. It’s supposed to smell really good to dogs, yet is extremely toxic. I got the email again yesterday from my friend, Ellen Sweeney who owns Pets, Etc. on Sugarloaf Parkway. Here’s the email (and keep scrolling for what Snopes.com said):

Please share this with all the pet owners you know and ask them to do the same – the information you take a few minutes to share might prevent the senseless loss of other pets.

Please  tell  every dog or cat owner you know. Even if  you don’t have a pet,  please pass this to those  who do.
Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes  purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few  times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn’t acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company’s web site,  
this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey’s, and they claim that “It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical  harm to a variety of  degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won’t eat it.”
*Snopes site gives  the following  information:http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp *

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called ‘Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last  2-3  weeks.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is  toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline.  A dog that  ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal  amounts of theobromine.

**PLEASE  PASS  THIS ON**

And here’s what Snopes says:

Cocoa Mulch Claim: Cocoa mulch contains a chemical (theobromine) that can be harmful to pets. PARTLY TRUE Example: [Collected via e-mail, May 2003] Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called “Theobromine”. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution — check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens. Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate — especially dark or baker’s chocolate — which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine. Origins: This warning about the potential danger to pets posed by cocoa mulch began appearing in our inbox in May 2003. Unlike the majority of scary alerts spread through the Internet, there is at least some truth to this one, although we know of only one substantiated case of a pet death caused by ingestion of the substance. (In July 2007, “Moose,” a 3-year-old Labrador belonging to a Minneapolis couple, died after eating cocoa mulch purchased at a local store. His owners had a veterinarian at the University of Minnesota perform a necropsy to determine the likely cause of death of their young and previously healthy pet. The vet found cocoa shells in Moose’s stomach and evidence of theobromine in the shells.) Veterinarians have noted that cocoa mulch contains ingredients that could pose a health risk to dogs (and other pets that might be tempted to ingest it): “Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs,” said Dr. Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal Hospital. Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its fine texture and the sweet smell the fresh mulch gives off. But getting past the scent, Family says cocoa mulch can be dangerous if a dog starts eating it. It contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Similar to eating chocolate, he says a dog that eats just a few ounces of cocoa mulch could starting having stomach problems and it could get worse if it eats more. “As time goes on they might act restless, excited, it can produce tremors and seriously seizures,” Family explained. “Puppies are very curious animals. So they’re going to be attracted to various things around the yard and [the effect of eating cocoa mulch] seems to be more severe in the small breeds, and it depends on the amount they actually ingest,” Family said. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) confirms the potential effects of theobromine and caffeine on dogs: Cocoa beans contain the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Dogs are highly sensitive to these chemicals, called methylxanthines. In dogs, low doses of methylxanthine can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain); higher doses can cause rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and death. Eaten by a 50-pound dog, about 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch may cause gastrointestinal upset; about 4.5 ounces, increased heart rate; about 5.3 ounces, seizures; and over 9 ounces, death. (In contrast, a 50-pound dog can eat up to about 7.5 ounces of milk chocolate without gastrointestinal upset and up to about a pound of milk chocolate without increased heart rate.) According to tables we’ve examined, cocoa mulch contains 300-1200 mg. of theobromine per ounce, making cocoa mulch one of the strongest concentrations of theobromine a pet is likely to encounter in any chocolate product. However, the question of the gravity of the risk presented by this type of gardening mulch remains a matter of debate. According to Hershey‘s, for example: It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won’t eat it. And some of those who vend cocoa mulch note that although they’re aware of the pet warnings, they’ve never encountered a case of a dog’s being sickened by the product: “The weird thing is, it smells like a chocolate Pop Tart. That’s the best way I can describe it. It really does have a chocolate scent to it,” explained Shane Compton of Hewitt’s Garden Center. Compton says cocoa mulch is not that popular at his store, but says it has its regular customers who every now and then wonder about the rumors they hear and the effect it has on man’s best friend. “There’s always stories on the Internet, but in the 30 years we’ve been here we’ve actually never heard of any body’s dog getting sick,” Compton said. Some manufacturers of cocoa mulch (such as the Cocoa Mulch brand) now proclaim that their products are theobromine-free and pet safe. Responsible pet owners should take care in their selection of cocoa mulch brands; some might prefer to choose another form of soil enhancement for their gardens, such as cedar-based products, rather than gamble their dogs won’t be attracted to or harmed by cocoa mulch. (Although Home Depot is named as a vendor of cocoa mulch in the example cited at the head of this page, the company told us in May 2006 that: “The Home Depot does not and will not sell mulch harmful to pets. The mulch sold by The Home Depot containing cocoa shells goes through several cleaning processes, including a high heat system in order to strip the cocoa fat from the shells without the use of any chemicals.”) The danger of canine theobromine poisoning does not begin and end with cocoa mulch, however: chocolate in any form poses substantial risks to some pets. This most beloved of foodstuffs contains theobromine and small amounts of caffeine, both of which can sicken and even kill cats and dogs. Chocolate’s toxicity to animals is directly related to three factors: the type of chocolate, the size of the animal, and the amount of chocolate ingested. Unsweetened baking chocolate presents the greatest danger to pets because it contains the highest amount of theobromine, approximately 390-450 mg. per ounce. White chocolate contains the least. As a general rule of thumb, one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can be lethal for dogs and cats. (Milk chocolate contains approximately 44-66 mg of theobromine per ounce.) Theobromine affects the heart, central nervous system, and kidneys, causing nausea and vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and increased urination. Cardiac arrhythmia and seizures are symptoms of more advanced poisoning. Other than induced vomiting, vets have no treatment or antidote for theobromine poisoning. Death can occur in 12 to 24 hours. This type of poisoning is uncommon because it is rare that a dog, even a small dog, will eat enough chocolate to cause anything more than an upset stomach. Yet it can happen, especially if the animal gets into baking chocolate or powdered cocoa, two forms of the sweet particularly loaded with theobromine. Do not feed chocolate to dogs or cats. If you keep a pet, do not leave chocolate lying about lest your critter help himself to it and in so doing poison himself. If your animal begins exhibiting signs of distress and you believe he might have gotten into some chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately. (It will help if you can supply information about the approximate weight of your critter, what sort of chocolate was ingested — white, milk, dark, cocoa powder, baking — and roughly how much.) But time is of the essence if such a poisoning has indeed taken place, so make the call right away. Barbara “canine-one-one” Mikkelson Additional information: Cocoa Bean Fertilizer Warning (ASPCA) Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs (German Shepherd Rescue of New England Inc.) Cocoa Mulch Can Pose Risk for Pets (WNYT-TV, Albany) Last updated: 24 February 2009 Sources: Blum, Sanford.   “Animal Doctor.” Chicago Sun-Times. 16 June 1998   (p. 40). DeRusha, Jason.   “Family’s Dog Dies After Eating Cocoa Bean Mulch.” WCCO-TV [Minneapolis]. 10 July 2007. Mazan, Joe.   “Mulch Warning.” KSTP-TV [Minneapolis]. 24 July 2007. McFarland, Matt.   “Cocoa Mulch Can Pose Risk for Pets.” WNYT-TV [Albany]. 24 April 2006. Roen, David.   “Chocolate Really Is Bad for Pets.” Lewiston Morning Tribune. 31 December 2001   (p. A5). Sawchuk, Sandi.   “Animal Talk: Sweets Can Be Lethal to Pets.” [Madison] Capital Times. 25 January 1994   (p. D1). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Products Put Ease into Yardwork.” 26 May 2001   (p. C1). Winston-Salem Journal. “Sam the Straight Answer Man.” 25 March 2003   (p. B2).

This email was sent to me the other day by my good friend, Christy Morrison and I felt the need to share.

Quote:

Last night at agility class, a vet, who is a fellow agility student was telling us about a case she had this week. The dog ate a child’s teddy bear and was very sick. When she opened the dog up to remove what she thought was an intestinal obstruction she found a huge gelatin type mess inside and the dogs intestines were black and the tissue dead. The dog will die; no surgery can fix him up because there was no living intestine left from stomach to colon.

This was not an obstruction.

…. so she called the manufacturer of the teddy bear on a quest to find out what the gel was and what killed the dog. Turns out the stuffing in children’s toys contains ingredients for flame retardants and mite control! It is designed to be come a gel. It is highly toxic. Now you would think a child’s toy would be safe because it is for children, but they don’t expect a child to eat the stuffing of the toys… huummmm that seems a bit scary, too. But we all know dogs demolish stuffed toys.

So do not give or buy your dog any children’s stuffed animals… some people get them at Goodwill, etc. The vet will be posting a warning and story and I will send any other facts as needed and as I learn more. Maybe some children’s toys do not have this ingredient, but better to be safe then sorry. So meanwhile, make sure all your dog toys are for dogs. Please pass this on… it is a horrible death she described and one that can be avoided.

HMM. . . makes me think about all stuffed toys we may buy at retail, thrift stores, or that may be given to our children or pets by others. Also, what about the kennel your dog goes to, or doggy day care or the church nursery? This danger can be far reaching! We get notices about high chairs and cribs – recalled ones should not be “recycled” but how can one person keep up with that info?

For the protection of your children and your pets, allow them to play with only items you have bought. And inspect them daily for tears or breaks, in case some type of poison is leaking out!

I wrote some years ago about my friend’s English Springer Spaniel who got very very sick. No apparent reason. But Buddy loved tennis balls. And he had torn up the outside of a “high quality” tennis ball with a titanium center. After Xrays, the vet found that the titanium center had been swallowed by the dog and was stuck in his digestive track. The affected area was removed, Buddy stayed in the vet hosp for 3 weeks, and finally died. Died at a young age from the leeching of poison from the titanium into his system. It didn’t have to be! But how would she have known the center was toxic? I doubt that PetsMart’s tennis balls carry this in the center (it’s probably empty) but what about those used tennis balls of yours in the doggy toy box?

Please, check out the toys at your house, the kennels, doggy and kiddy day care, etc.

This article is from page 23 of the PetTech PetSaver program and is helpful if your dog or cat has a seizure.

Seizures-Convulsions

Definition: Involuntary contractions of muscles caused by abnormal cerebral stimulation or dysfunction.

Causes: Seizures or convulsions can be caused by epilepsy, poisoning (from toxic substances like lead, organophosphate and strychnine) or head trauma (mostly caused by being hit by a car or a fall).

A seizure caused by poisoning is an emergency situation. The veterinarian needs to know the amount and type of poison ingested. It is best to bring the suspected container with you.

Signs: Falling, chomping jaws, stiffening of the body, paddling motion of the legs, jerky and uncontrollable movements lasting two to three minutes. Prior to and after the seizure the pet can have a low level of consciousness, be unresponsive and not know who you are. The pet may also empty its bladder and bowels.

Actions For Survival: Stay calm, reduce external stimuli (lights, sounds, people). DO NOT restrain the pet or place anything in its mouth. Clear the area of hard or sharp objects that might cause harm. If possible, pull the pet away from objects and onto a blanket to help reduce injury.

First Aid: Seizures:

• Be sure that your pet has a heartbeat and is breathing. If so, place a rolled-up blanket or towel under the head for protection.
• When the seizure has stopped, monitor breathing. If the pet has no history of seizures, transport to the nearest veterinarian or emergency animal hospital. If the pet has a history of seizures, take note and transport only if the seizure is not like its “normal” seizures
• Keep the pet comfortable in a quiet, dark place
• Clean up any mess and make a note as to the duration and frequency of the seizure for the veterinarian. If the seizure lasts longer than what is “normal” or the pet has repeated seizures, then you should contact its veterinarian.

A seizure caused by head trauma is an emergency situation. Treat as other life-threatening symptoms present themselves (i.e. CPR, Rescue Breathing, shock, bleeding, etc.). Transport the pet to its veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital immediately, moving it as little as poss ible.

Note to Pet Owners: Keeping records of a pet’s health is important, especially for a pet that has seizures.

You can contact my instructor, Jennifer Perry at 770-575-1423 or  Jennifer@PetTechAtlanta.com. Her website is http://pfa.pettechatlanta.com/.

May all that have life be delivered from suffering.
– Buddha

I recently (Saturday) took my second pet first aid class, and I found the PetTech class to be invaluable.
Our Pet Tech instructor, Jennifer Perry, also of Safe at Home Pet Sitting, was great and so was her dog, Lily! I learned more than I can put in this article, but some of what I did learn was rescue breathing, CPR, care for fractures and limbs, seizures, and much more.
This class is affordable and can be held at your convenience. Contact Jennifer Perry for more information.

Jennifer Perry
770-575-1423
www.PetTechAtlanta.com
Jennifer@PetTechAtlanta.com

The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals ~ Anonymous

The definition of puppy mill according to Wikipedia- A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well-being of dogs in their care. Similar types of operations exist for other animals commonly kept as pets or used as feed for other animals.

We’ve all seen the commercials showing these terribly sad, poor dogs and cats in cages with Sarah McLachlan as the spokes person. Most of us, anyway. Our hearts break when we see it and we know that this is happening all over America. What can we do about it? The easiest thing for you to do is do not buy a puppy until extensive research has been done on the breeder. There are a lot of puppy “stores” that will tell you that they do not buy from puppy mills, but ask them for the address of the puppy’s breeder and go there. You need to see the surroundings of the puppy and meet the puppy’s parents. Any breeder that can’t allow this or any puppy “store” that cannot give you an address has something very shady is going on.

There are so many wonderful, adoptable dogs that need a home. My Mom, Vicki Lunceford adopted a Lhasa Apso from Atlanta Pet Rescue, Sassy, and she is a puppy mill rescue. She’s coming around very well, but she has a lot of issues that my Mom has had to find answers to. Before rescued, puppy mill dogs are kept in small cages and never let out, sometimes more than one per cage. This makes it more difficult to teach house training and leash training, among other learned behaviors. Patience and understanding are required to adopt one of these  dogs, but to see the pride on one of these dogs’ little faces when something finally clicks is priceless.

Below is a story that I found on the ASPCA site about a few rescued pups that need a home and some that have been adopted.

The Lucky 34—Meet Our Puppy Mill Survivors

On February 7, 34 dogs who once endured terrible living conditions in a notorious puppy mill operation in Holly Springs, MS, were transported to the Big Apple in search of new forever homes. The dogs, many of whom are small breeds, are not the cute, cuddly pups often displayed in pet shop windows, but mothers and fathers who were used as breeding stock at the puppy mill.

These special pups have spent their entire lives confined to tiny wire cages, which inhibit natural behaviors like running, playing and even stretching. Trading the stark environment of a puppy mill for novel sights, sounds and sensations can be tremendously overwhelming for these sheltered animals. Simple behaviors like potty training, sitting on laps or even walking on a leash are challenging activities. Ample recovery time helps, so too does the dedication of a very special adopter—one who will provide lots of love and unconditional acceptance.

Think you have what it takes to care for one of these special pooches? Here are a few of the extraordinary puppy mill survivors who are just waiting for laps to call their own.

Clementine

Check out teeny Clementine. She’s a bit of a nervous Nelly, but who can blame a girl? Clem needs an experienced adopter—are you that pro? If you can help our little Miss Sunshine come out of her shell and experience the world with freedom and love, you may be the perfect pet parent for her.

Lugini

Lugini is a sweet and shy Chihuahua boy with lots of love to give. He just needs a little time to get comfy—after all, he’s seen a lot in his short life. Like most puppy mill survivors, Lugini is a high flight risk as he startles easily and may bolt. It is wise to always keep him on a leash or enjoy playtime in a fenced-in yard. While a true work in progress, this special munchkin is bound to make you laugh and smile.

For more information about adopting one of these dogs, please visit our Adoption Center online and for expert tips on living with a puppy mill dog, visit ASPCA.org.

JUST ADOPTED!

Buffy

Buffy is a sensitive girl from Mississippi—a true diamond in the rough. A sweet little Rat Terrier, Buffy is healthy physically but fairly damaged emotionally. She lived for years in a mill churning out puppies for money. While she needs a little extra time to warm up to strangers, Buffy’s true colors were recently noticed by a visitor to our Adoption Center. We are happy to report this tiny pup is happily settling in to her new forever home!

Betty and Wilma

These sugary-sweet sisters endured some rough times at the Mississippi puppy mill before landing in the Big Apple—and their lack of experience shows. Both tend to lag a bit behind on walks—like most mill dogs, they have never experienced walking on a leash. And neither of the girls are potty trained—also common with mill dogs who have been forced to relieve themselves in their cages for years. Despite these minor setbacks, these two sisters wowed potential adopters with their sweet-as-pie kisses and have recently been adopted!

We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form.  ~William Ralph Inge, Outspoken Essays, 1922

Continuing my “what to do in case of a disaster” series, in which the information was gathered and put together by Beth Fasnacht of Pet Watch, Inc. during our monthly meeting with Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters, here is an example of what to put in your pet’s first aid kit.

Here is what you’ll need:

• Durable waterproof case
• An informative First Aid guide
• A cold pack
• 6 to 8 cotton tipped applicators
• Eye irrigate
• Gauze pads
• Antibiotic ointment
• Petroleum jelly
• Flexible bandages that adhere to themselves (and not to your pet’s hair)
• Syringe
• Iodine ointment
• Scissors
• Adhesive tape
• Rectal thermometer
• Tweezers
• Gloves

For Birds: First Aid Kids Would Have:

• Stainless steel hemostatic
• Antiseptic wipes and swabs
• Forceps
• Cohesive bandage
• A curved tip syringe
• Sterile gauze
• Styptic powder

For more information, visit the Humane Society of the United States or call the American Red Cross. All agencies will be happy to help you at any time. Be sure to check out all the websites on Disaster Planning for Pets. There is a wealth of information to use. Here is a list of a few of these websites:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.
– Charles Darwin

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters monthly meeting, where Beth Fasnacht of Pet Watch, Inc. gave us an excellent presentation on disaster emergency preparation. Here is a little more of what I learned.

Caring For Birds in an Emergency

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing the birds inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird’s feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.

• Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content
• Have a photo for identification and leg bands
• If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently
• Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier during an emergency
• When transporting house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds

What About Other Pets?

Reptiles

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.

If the snake requires frequent feedings, carry food with you.

Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad.

Pocket Pets

Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while at the shelter. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.

Life is life–whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man’s own advantage.
– Sri Aurobindo