Just a special, heartfelt request to everyone in our area. Please, be pet responsible. Please, do not bring your unwanted dogs & cats to the pound and just dump them there. Or anywhere else for that matter! Dumping animals is a form of animal cruelty, which is now a felony in the State of Kansas. Not only that, for puppies that are barely weaned and have little or no ability to fend for themselves, they can very easily fall victim to predators like Coyotes, or worse yet, be run over by traffic.
The Eureka Pound has a very limited number of available cages. While every effort is made to find homes for every animal we take in, it is a hard truth that in in the last year and a half, over two hundred dogs and cats have had to be euthanized, because there are simply not enough homes for them. That statistic alone, for a town this size, is very disturbing. But not nearly as disturbing as the number of animals that have been dumped at the pound over the past couple of months.
If you have animals you cannot find a home for, and you have made every effort to do so, please call me, and lets try working together for a possible solution. Every animal that is dumped at the pound places an increased pressure on those that have been waiting for a home, and forces a decision as to which dog or cat can stay, and which one might have to be euthanized in order to make room for the new arrival. Perhaps , before you make that decision to leave an animal behind, you would like a opportunity to look into the sad & desperate faces of the animals already there, and choose for yourself which one must go. It seems only fair.
So please, be pet responsible. Spay or neuter your current pets, and if you have animals you don't want, think before you act. Call me, and lets see if there is another option that may be more equitable for all.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Think About it!
As an Animal Control Officer, I often see things that just make you scratch your head and ask "What are they thinking?". The number one thing is why more people don't have their pets spayed or neutered. Oh, I have heard all the excuses...from "She's so cute, what if we decide we want puppies?", to... "I don't want my dog to get fat!". The truth? As a general rule, the two main reasons more people don't do it is because of 1.) Lack of information, and 2.) Money. Let's be honest about it! More often than not, it comes down to a matter of dollars. The other excuses are just a convenient form of rationalization.
This month, the ASPCA is sponsoring the Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month, and are encouraging people across the the country to visit your local shelter or pound, and give a dog or cat a chance for a new life. In keeping with this theme, I am redistributing some pertinent information for you, courtesy of the Kansas Humane Society and the American Humane Association. Please...take a few moments to look through it, and then think about it. Look at the pictures I have posted on this site, and know that not one of these wonderful animals has been fixed. Then ask yourself, would they be where they are, if they had been? Or if their parents had been? Just think about it!
Too many pets, not enough homes:
Each year, around 15 million pets are turned in to animal shelters across the country. Only 25 to 30 percent of these animals are reclaimed by their owners or adopted into new homes. The rest, some 11 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, must be put to death because no one wants them. This terrible waste can easily be reduced by reducing the number of puppies and kittens being born. And the best way to do that is to neuter your pets. Neutering is a simple surgical procedure which prevents pets from reproducing by removing their reproductive organs.
As a pet owner, you can add to the overpopulation problem or help end it. Don't fool yourself into thinking that if you find a home for each of your pet's offspring you avoid adding to the number of homeless pets. Actually, you've only eliminated potential homes for other waiting puppies and kittens. Only so many responsible, caring homes exist, and finding a home for one of your pet's offspring inevitably dooms some other cat or dog. Besides giving other pets a chance at a loving home, neutering your pets gives them and you a lot of benefits you may not be aware of...
Your pet will be a more content family member:
Because they're domestic animals, dogs and cats naturally take to, and need, people, but this natural affection gets overpowered by the drive to reproduce. This urge to mate leads to roaming, fighting, aggression, excessive barking, howling, and other unwelcome behaviors. Neutered pets are freed of this urge and the resulting bothersome behaviors, making a calmer and more content pet who prefers to stay home and concentrate on you. If you have more than one pet, you'll find your neutered pets get along much better with each other.
You won't have to fight off suitors:
When your female dog or cat goes into heat, the males for blocks around will know it. Some breeds of dogs can smell a female in heat up to five miles away. Walking her will be like going into battle. Every loose male dog in the neighborhood will follow, and nothing will drive them away. Your dog will normally come into heat twice a year, and she'll attract males for almost three weeks.
Cats are incredibly efficient reproducers. During breeding season (approximately February through October), females come into heat as often as every two weeks, and won't stop unless they're allowed to reproduce. They also can go into heat while nursing their current litter. Cats needing to mate will wail, rub, and dart out the door at the slightest opportunity. They become almost magical in their ability to escape. If you don't want your pet to breed, you're in for a very trying time. You'll get no cooperation from your pets because all their instincts are compelling them to find a mate. Nor is a fenced yard sure protection. Dogs will achieve the impossible when motivated to mate, and the number of puppies conceived in safely fenced yards number in the hundreds of thousands.
Your pet will be healthier:
Because the urge to search out mates is eliminated, neutered pets are less likely to roam from home and be injured in fights or killed in traffic. In fact, neutered pets have twice the average life expectancy of unneutered pets, partly due to a much lower chance of suffering from breast, uterine, prostate, and testicular cancers.
Dogs and cats can be neutered as early as eight weeks or anytime beyond that age. Females can be neutered when they're in season or early pregnancy, but the risks are somewhat greater. (Be sure to inform your veterinarian of her condition.) The best and easiest thing for you and your pet is to get her neutered as early as possible and before she comes in season the first time. Waiting until after her first heat period does nothing for either of you. Make an appointment with your veterinarian. If the expense is a problem, ask your local humane society about the low-cost spay/ neuter clinics in your area.
You won't have to put up with staining or spraying:
During their "heat" periods, female dogs and cats experience a flow of blood. So unless you're willing to diaper your pet (and can anticipate the timing) or deal with the stains on your rugs and furniture, spay your pet and eliminate this problem entirely.
Unneutered male cats can also stain your floors and furniture, but it happens year round and it smells terrible. As active reproducers, unneutered male cats must tell everyone that this is their area and they're willing to defend it, so they mark territory by "spraying" objects inside and outside of the house with strong smelling urine. If neutered early, male cats rarely develop this habit. Older "sprayers" usually stop within a few months of being neutered.
You won't have to spend extra money:
Purebred or not, it costs money to bring a healthy litter into the world. The mother will need periodic check-ups by a veterinarian and a special diet during her pregnancy. Medical costs will mount if she has problems during the pregnancy or delivery, or if the puppies or kittens have health problems. The young won't be ready to leave home for eight weeks, which means two months of housing, cleaning, and feeding them. In addition, they'll need to be checked and vaccinated by a veterinarian before putting them up for sale.
All this takes time and money, not to mention the cost of advertising and the days spent waiting by the phone and showing the animals to prospective buyers. If you don't screen the buyers carefully, you may also end up carrying the additional burden of conscience for letting a puppy or kitten go to a home where he may be ignored, mistreated, abandoned, or abused. Worst of all is the heartbreaking decision about what to do with the leftover puppies and kittens you just can't find homes for.
You won't have to find homes for the offspring:
When you read the columns of classified ads selling puppies and kittens, or listen to your local radio station, you'd think breeding your pet could make you rich. Don't count on it! A lot of those animals are never sold and end up being given away or taken to a shelter.
If your pet isn't a purebred, you'll have trouble giving the young away. Even if your pet is purebred, she must be mated with another purebred and the pups or kittens properly registered (for a fee) for any hope of profit. And it's very likely your pedigreed female will make a shambles of your best-laid plans by mating with the first mutt or alley cat she meets. Worse yet, even if you keep your pet properly restrained in your yard, she can still be mated by someone elses pet on the loose, and you won't know what the pups will be like until they get here. Most dog breeds have their own genetic issues, and some breeds - if they mix - can have potential issues that may be very expensive indeed to take care of at best, and make it very difficult to adopt out at worst.
You won't add to the fatal population explosion:
No one likes to think about healthy, beautiful, affectionate cats, dogs, puppies and kittens losing their lives because no one wants them. Shelters, which offer food, warmth, and medical attention, care very much about these animals, but the volume of pets entering shelters greatly outnumbers the families looking to adopt. Euthanasia protects the unwanted ones from the pain of a life without companionship. A better solution is to limit the number of animals being born until they equal the number of people who want and can care for them. So please contact your veterinarian or animal shelter and get your pet neutered.
Thanks again to the Kansas Humane Society and the American Humane Association for the contents of this article.
This month, the ASPCA is sponsoring the Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month, and are encouraging people across the the country to visit your local shelter or pound, and give a dog or cat a chance for a new life. In keeping with this theme, I am redistributing some pertinent information for you, courtesy of the Kansas Humane Society and the American Humane Association. Please...take a few moments to look through it, and then think about it. Look at the pictures I have posted on this site, and know that not one of these wonderful animals has been fixed. Then ask yourself, would they be where they are, if they had been? Or if their parents had been? Just think about it!
Too many pets, not enough homes:
Each year, around 15 million pets are turned in to animal shelters across the country. Only 25 to 30 percent of these animals are reclaimed by their owners or adopted into new homes. The rest, some 11 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, must be put to death because no one wants them. This terrible waste can easily be reduced by reducing the number of puppies and kittens being born. And the best way to do that is to neuter your pets. Neutering is a simple surgical procedure which prevents pets from reproducing by removing their reproductive organs.
As a pet owner, you can add to the overpopulation problem or help end it. Don't fool yourself into thinking that if you find a home for each of your pet's offspring you avoid adding to the number of homeless pets. Actually, you've only eliminated potential homes for other waiting puppies and kittens. Only so many responsible, caring homes exist, and finding a home for one of your pet's offspring inevitably dooms some other cat or dog. Besides giving other pets a chance at a loving home, neutering your pets gives them and you a lot of benefits you may not be aware of...
Your pet will be a more content family member:
Because they're domestic animals, dogs and cats naturally take to, and need, people, but this natural affection gets overpowered by the drive to reproduce. This urge to mate leads to roaming, fighting, aggression, excessive barking, howling, and other unwelcome behaviors. Neutered pets are freed of this urge and the resulting bothersome behaviors, making a calmer and more content pet who prefers to stay home and concentrate on you. If you have more than one pet, you'll find your neutered pets get along much better with each other.
You won't have to fight off suitors:
When your female dog or cat goes into heat, the males for blocks around will know it. Some breeds of dogs can smell a female in heat up to five miles away. Walking her will be like going into battle. Every loose male dog in the neighborhood will follow, and nothing will drive them away. Your dog will normally come into heat twice a year, and she'll attract males for almost three weeks.
Cats are incredibly efficient reproducers. During breeding season (approximately February through October), females come into heat as often as every two weeks, and won't stop unless they're allowed to reproduce. They also can go into heat while nursing their current litter. Cats needing to mate will wail, rub, and dart out the door at the slightest opportunity. They become almost magical in their ability to escape. If you don't want your pet to breed, you're in for a very trying time. You'll get no cooperation from your pets because all their instincts are compelling them to find a mate. Nor is a fenced yard sure protection. Dogs will achieve the impossible when motivated to mate, and the number of puppies conceived in safely fenced yards number in the hundreds of thousands.
Your pet will be healthier:
Because the urge to search out mates is eliminated, neutered pets are less likely to roam from home and be injured in fights or killed in traffic. In fact, neutered pets have twice the average life expectancy of unneutered pets, partly due to a much lower chance of suffering from breast, uterine, prostate, and testicular cancers.
Dogs and cats can be neutered as early as eight weeks or anytime beyond that age. Females can be neutered when they're in season or early pregnancy, but the risks are somewhat greater. (Be sure to inform your veterinarian of her condition.) The best and easiest thing for you and your pet is to get her neutered as early as possible and before she comes in season the first time. Waiting until after her first heat period does nothing for either of you. Make an appointment with your veterinarian. If the expense is a problem, ask your local humane society about the low-cost spay/ neuter clinics in your area.
You won't have to put up with staining or spraying:
During their "heat" periods, female dogs and cats experience a flow of blood. So unless you're willing to diaper your pet (and can anticipate the timing) or deal with the stains on your rugs and furniture, spay your pet and eliminate this problem entirely.
Unneutered male cats can also stain your floors and furniture, but it happens year round and it smells terrible. As active reproducers, unneutered male cats must tell everyone that this is their area and they're willing to defend it, so they mark territory by "spraying" objects inside and outside of the house with strong smelling urine. If neutered early, male cats rarely develop this habit. Older "sprayers" usually stop within a few months of being neutered.
You won't have to spend extra money:
Purebred or not, it costs money to bring a healthy litter into the world. The mother will need periodic check-ups by a veterinarian and a special diet during her pregnancy. Medical costs will mount if she has problems during the pregnancy or delivery, or if the puppies or kittens have health problems. The young won't be ready to leave home for eight weeks, which means two months of housing, cleaning, and feeding them. In addition, they'll need to be checked and vaccinated by a veterinarian before putting them up for sale.
All this takes time and money, not to mention the cost of advertising and the days spent waiting by the phone and showing the animals to prospective buyers. If you don't screen the buyers carefully, you may also end up carrying the additional burden of conscience for letting a puppy or kitten go to a home where he may be ignored, mistreated, abandoned, or abused. Worst of all is the heartbreaking decision about what to do with the leftover puppies and kittens you just can't find homes for.
You won't have to find homes for the offspring:
When you read the columns of classified ads selling puppies and kittens, or listen to your local radio station, you'd think breeding your pet could make you rich. Don't count on it! A lot of those animals are never sold and end up being given away or taken to a shelter.
If your pet isn't a purebred, you'll have trouble giving the young away. Even if your pet is purebred, she must be mated with another purebred and the pups or kittens properly registered (for a fee) for any hope of profit. And it's very likely your pedigreed female will make a shambles of your best-laid plans by mating with the first mutt or alley cat she meets. Worse yet, even if you keep your pet properly restrained in your yard, she can still be mated by someone elses pet on the loose, and you won't know what the pups will be like until they get here. Most dog breeds have their own genetic issues, and some breeds - if they mix - can have potential issues that may be very expensive indeed to take care of at best, and make it very difficult to adopt out at worst.
You won't add to the fatal population explosion:
No one likes to think about healthy, beautiful, affectionate cats, dogs, puppies and kittens losing their lives because no one wants them. Shelters, which offer food, warmth, and medical attention, care very much about these animals, but the volume of pets entering shelters greatly outnumbers the families looking to adopt. Euthanasia protects the unwanted ones from the pain of a life without companionship. A better solution is to limit the number of animals being born until they equal the number of people who want and can care for them. So please contact your veterinarian or animal shelter and get your pet neutered.
Thanks again to the Kansas Humane Society and the American Humane Association for the contents of this article.
Did You Know?
You raised that dog since it was 8 weeks old. Through countless vacations, weekend trips to the country, or maybe just being there for you when you were suffering from that nasty flu, Fido or Kitty has been there for you, comforting you, loving you without question. Now, unfortunately, your beloved pet has passed on.
Did you know that the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center offers a free Pet Loss Hotline for those trying to cope with the loss of a beloved companion? The service is led by Stephanie LaFarge, Ph.D., a psychologist with a deep understanding of the human-animal bond. As Senior Director of Counseling Services for the ASPCA, Dr. LaFarge helped hundreds of pet parents following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and continues to aid those facing difficult circumstances.
The ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline is free and available round-the-clock. Call 1-800-946-4646 and enter the pin number 140-7211, then your own phone number. Or call 1-217-337-9773. Dr. LaFarge will return your call. For more advice, including how to help kids cope with pet loss, visit: www.aspca.org/behavior. Don't suffer loss alone!
Did you know that the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center offers a free Pet Loss Hotline for those trying to cope with the loss of a beloved companion? The service is led by Stephanie LaFarge, Ph.D., a psychologist with a deep understanding of the human-animal bond. As Senior Director of Counseling Services for the ASPCA, Dr. LaFarge helped hundreds of pet parents following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and continues to aid those facing difficult circumstances.
The ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline is free and available round-the-clock. Call 1-800-946-4646 and enter the pin number 140-7211, then your own phone number. Or call 1-217-337-9773. Dr. LaFarge will return your call. For more advice, including how to help kids cope with pet loss, visit: www.aspca.org/behavior. Don't suffer loss alone!
Need help with your pets behavior?
We've all seen it, that poor lady out trying to walk her dog, or should I say being drug down the street by her dog. Or maybe you have a dog who is great with family members, but shows aggression towards your friends when they come over for that weekend barbeque. Or maybe you are a frustrated cat owner, who can't understand why your cat would rather poop on the bathroom rug than in its litter box.
Whatever the issue, did you know help is a close as your computer? For all of the above pet behavior issues, and many more, simply log on the the ASPCA website, where you can get expert advice on resolving these problems. One of the most common reasons for animals to wind up in the local animal shelter or pound, is due to unresolved behavioral issues. So be a friend to your pet, and help them get the help they need to be a better best friend to you! Log on to www.aspca.org/behavior, and get help now!
Whatever the issue, did you know help is a close as your computer? For all of the above pet behavior issues, and many more, simply log on the the ASPCA website, where you can get expert advice on resolving these problems. One of the most common reasons for animals to wind up in the local animal shelter or pound, is due to unresolved behavioral issues. So be a friend to your pet, and help them get the help they need to be a better best friend to you! Log on to www.aspca.org/behavior, and get help now!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
And then there are the plants!
First the question, "Why does my dog eat grass?". Dogs get upset stomachs just like we do. They eat grass because it helps them to throw up, which makes their stomach feel better. Or so I've been told. Makes sense to me anyway, and it seems to work pretty well for my dog, Haley.
Since we are on the subject of leafy, greenie things, let's talk about a few of the other things found in our home & yard our fuzzy children should stay from:
Toxic Plants for Dogs:
Mushrooms:
Mushroom toxicity does occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, and even death.
Holiday Plants:
Pet owners need to take extra care with holiday plants. When the holidays roll around, we often get caught up in the festivities and don't realize that we may be bringing something very dangerous into our home for our pets. Be aware of what holiday decorations may be toxic and avoid turning a happy occasion into a tragic one.
Poinsettias:
These plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. These plants also contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of becoming sick after ingestion of poinsettias.
Easter Lilies:
Some members of the Lilly family of plants can result in serious illness in cats. Specifically, Easter Lilies, Tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, Rubrum lilies, many lily hybrids and Day lilies have been known to cause kidney failure.
Mistletoe:
The berries from Mistletoe can be fatal for dogs or cats.
Hyacinth, Narcissus, Daffodil:
The bulbs are the toxic part. Symptoms will include nausea, vomiting and dirrhea. May be fatal.
Larkspur:
Young plants & seeds. Can cause digestive upset, nervous excitement, depression. May be fatal.
Rhubarb:
The leaf blade is the dangerous part here. Can be fatal. Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves can cause convulsions and coma, followed rapidly by death.
Rhododendrons:
Fatal. produces nausea and vomiting, depression, difficult breathing, prostration and coma.
Yew:
Both the berries and the foliage. Fatal. The foliage is more toxic than the berries. Death is usually sudden without warning symptoms.
Finally, while prevention is the best cure, no matter what we do, sometimes we just can't keep our good dogs from doing bad things. If you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn't have, call your vet immediately! I have included a link for the pet poison helpline in the event it is after hours.
Since we are on the subject of leafy, greenie things, let's talk about a few of the other things found in our home & yard our fuzzy children should stay from:
Toxic Plants for Dogs:
Mushrooms:
Mushroom toxicity does occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, and even death.
Holiday Plants:
Pet owners need to take extra care with holiday plants. When the holidays roll around, we often get caught up in the festivities and don't realize that we may be bringing something very dangerous into our home for our pets. Be aware of what holiday decorations may be toxic and avoid turning a happy occasion into a tragic one.
Poinsettias:
These plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. These plants also contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of becoming sick after ingestion of poinsettias.
Easter Lilies:
Some members of the Lilly family of plants can result in serious illness in cats. Specifically, Easter Lilies, Tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, Rubrum lilies, many lily hybrids and Day lilies have been known to cause kidney failure.
Mistletoe:
The berries from Mistletoe can be fatal for dogs or cats.
Hyacinth, Narcissus, Daffodil:
The bulbs are the toxic part. Symptoms will include nausea, vomiting and dirrhea. May be fatal.
Larkspur:
Young plants & seeds. Can cause digestive upset, nervous excitement, depression. May be fatal.
Rhubarb:
The leaf blade is the dangerous part here. Can be fatal. Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves can cause convulsions and coma, followed rapidly by death.
Rhododendrons:
Fatal. produces nausea and vomiting, depression, difficult breathing, prostration and coma.
Yew:
Both the berries and the foliage. Fatal. The foliage is more toxic than the berries. Death is usually sudden without warning symptoms.
Finally, while prevention is the best cure, no matter what we do, sometimes we just can't keep our good dogs from doing bad things. If you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn't have, call your vet immediately! I have included a link for the pet poison helpline in the event it is after hours.
What's in a name?
Well, everything! Can't think of a name for the newest addition to your household? Of course I'm thinking about the four-legged variety...but I suppose you could use the names on the kids too. But don't blame us if having your child go through school with the name "Spot" eventually sends them to therapy!
But if you just can't think of the purr-fect name for that cute kitten...check out the link to bowwow.com. It's dog-gone good!
But if you just can't think of the purr-fect name for that cute kitten...check out the link to bowwow.com. It's dog-gone good!
Just say no!
We all have our favorite foods & beverages. Not surprisingly, so do our our dogs. And often, it just happens to be the same as ours! Spoiling our pets often becomes second nature to us. Unfortunately, many of us don't know that that we may not just be spoiling them, but we might be poisoning them as well!
So here are a few of the things we should NEVER feed our dogs...no matter how much they beg for it!
Alcohol: Alcohol depresses brain function in dogs and can send them into a coma. It can cause further damage by turning their blood acidic.
Dogs are not equipped with the protective enzymes that allow humans to imbibe reasonable amounts of alcohol without harm. And because most dogs are smaller than humans and are more sensitive to alcohol, it doesn't take much to cause serious problems. How much depends on the size of the dog, and the amount and type of alcohol it consumes.
So - no pina colodas for Fido. Not for fun, and not by accident with those party leftovers.
Coffee: The caffine in a cup of coffee is a methylxanthine compound that binds to receptors on all surfaces, precluding the normal compounds from attaching there. In english? Caffine blocks the normal compounds from attaching to Fidos blood cells. In much the same way that inhaling carbon monoxide from your cars exhaust will block oxygen from attaching to your blood cells. It just tastes better to Fido.
Caffine in any form - coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate - can increase your dogs heart rate, produce an irregular heart beat, and trigger seizures. It can also cause severe gastrointestinal problems. So no Starbucks for Fido!
Garlic: Someone once told me that if you eat a lot of garlic, you won't be bothered by many types types of biting insects, like mosquitoes and fleas. Or your friends & neighbors either! So...by logical extension, you might think it will work the same way for your dog. WRONG!
Garlic, in any form, breaks down a dog's red blood cells, and large amounts over time can lead to anemia and possible kidney failure from leaking hemoglobin.
Dogs don't have the necessary enzyme to properly breakdown the compound thiosulphate, which is a prime ingredient of garlic.
According to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), if a dog eats 0.5 % of its body weight in garlic, it can show signs of poison. In otherwords, just five grams (0.18 ounces) of garlic per kilogram (2.2 lbs), or two grams (0.07 ounces) of garlic per pound, can mean an emergency trip to the Vet for Fido. As you can see, it doesn't take much.
Chocolate: If you take nothing else from this article, please remember this! The chemical contained in chocolate - theobromine - can be fatal to our furry friends! Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of dark chocolate, or seven ounces (198 grams) of milk chocolate can bring on vomiting in a 50 pound dog!
Chocolate also contains the methylxanthine compound reffered to earlier in coffee, making the combination a deadly & dangerous combination for our best friends. Dogs don't metabolize & excrete theobromine as fast as humans, causing a toxic build up in the blood.
So, how can you tell if Fido has been the victim of chocolate toxicity? The signs can occur withing hours. They include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures and coma. This one is serious, so be sure to tell the children, no chocolate for the dog. No matter how much they beg, just say no!
Grapes: Animal toxicologists have found that grapes and raisins can cause acute renal and kidney failure in dogs.
Though the research is ongoing, some suspect the cause may be a compound soluble in water, which is indigestibal to dogs. A possible fungal toxin is also suspected.
One thing is known for sure. As few as ten raisins or grapes could be fatal to your beloved pooch.
Onions: Aside from the breath issue, onions for your dog is a bad idea for another reason. The damage caused by ingesting onions is cumultive, so small tastes over time can be potentially worse than if Spot ate the whole bulb at once.
Whether its done over time, or all at once, the eating of onions by dogs can cause anemia.
Anything onion, like anything garlic, also contains the thiosulphate compound, which we now know dogs lack the enzyme to digest.
Yeast: Like alcohol, ingestion of yeast can cause fatal damage. Active yeast found in raw bread releases alcohol as it grows.
Yeast enjoys moist, warm environments - like a dogs stomach. The expanding dough can prevent blood from flowing to the heart, by distending or expanding the abdomen.
Macadamia Nuts: Expets have yet to discover why just a few of these nuts can produce tremors, even temporary paralysis, in a dogs hind legs.
High phosphorus content in nuts in general, can cause kidney stones in dogs. And it doesn't take much...four or five nuts and a 10 pound dog can show signs of poison. The holidays are nearing, so be extra vigilant with that nut cracker this holiday season!
Finally, just another precautionary note about the dangers of Antifreeze and your pets. Every year it is estimated that about 10,000 cats & dogs will be the victims of accidental anitfreeze poisoning. Most commercial brands of antifreeze consists of about 95 % ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical. Just a few licks of this sweet-tasting liquid can be fatal to your cat or dog. (It is also extremely hazardous to children!)
For a medium sized dog, ingestion of about 2 ounces (3-4 tablespoons)is toxic. For a cat, as little as 1/4 of an ounce (1-2 teaspoons) can be fatal.
Both cats & dogs are attracted to the taste and smell of antifreeze. So when changing out that radiator in preparation for the upcoming winter season, please use extra care to be sure there is none left on the ground for our furry loved ones to sample.
Antifreeze poisoning occurs in two stages: In the first stage, the ethylene glycol in the antifreeze causes a drunken appearance in the animal within about 30 minutes which may continue for several hours. After passing through stage 1, the animal appears to recover. Stage 2 begins when the dog's liver begins metabolizing the ethylene glycol, changing it into more toxic substances. Within 12 to 36 hours of ingestion, these metabolites have reached such a level that the dog's kidneys stop functioning, and the animal slips into a coma.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include a drunken appearance including staggering, lack of coordination, and apparent disorientation and vomiting. The animal may appear listless and depressed. Because early signs of antifreeze poisoning often mimic signs of other illness, neither you or your veterinarian may suspect antifreeze poisoning until it is too late. Fortunately, in house lab tests performed by your veterinarian by assist in the diagnosis of antifreeze toxicity.
Getting the dog or cat to a veterinarian is critical within the first 9-12 hours following ingestion. After that length of time, the liver will have already begun metabolizing the ethylene glycol into substances that cause kidney failure and ultimately death. Many people have asked, "What should be done to immediately care for my pet. Should I induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to my pet?"
Please take note: These are very short term fixes and not a cure. The faster your pet is treated by a veterinarian the better the chances of recovery. Again, this poison is extremely toxic.
So, remember that just because you can do someting...it doesn't mean you should. When Kitty or Fido start begging for that tasty little morsel left over on our plates...for their health and our peace of mind...just say no! And please watch those household and garage chemicals. Our furry friends only know what smells and tastes good...not what is good for them. Just like our two-legged children, they depend on us to sort that out for them, and to protect them from themselves!
So here are a few of the things we should NEVER feed our dogs...no matter how much they beg for it!
Alcohol: Alcohol depresses brain function in dogs and can send them into a coma. It can cause further damage by turning their blood acidic.
Dogs are not equipped with the protective enzymes that allow humans to imbibe reasonable amounts of alcohol without harm. And because most dogs are smaller than humans and are more sensitive to alcohol, it doesn't take much to cause serious problems. How much depends on the size of the dog, and the amount and type of alcohol it consumes.
So - no pina colodas for Fido. Not for fun, and not by accident with those party leftovers.
Coffee: The caffine in a cup of coffee is a methylxanthine compound that binds to receptors on all surfaces, precluding the normal compounds from attaching there. In english? Caffine blocks the normal compounds from attaching to Fidos blood cells. In much the same way that inhaling carbon monoxide from your cars exhaust will block oxygen from attaching to your blood cells. It just tastes better to Fido.
Caffine in any form - coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate - can increase your dogs heart rate, produce an irregular heart beat, and trigger seizures. It can also cause severe gastrointestinal problems. So no Starbucks for Fido!
Garlic: Someone once told me that if you eat a lot of garlic, you won't be bothered by many types types of biting insects, like mosquitoes and fleas. Or your friends & neighbors either! So...by logical extension, you might think it will work the same way for your dog. WRONG!
Garlic, in any form, breaks down a dog's red blood cells, and large amounts over time can lead to anemia and possible kidney failure from leaking hemoglobin.
Dogs don't have the necessary enzyme to properly breakdown the compound thiosulphate, which is a prime ingredient of garlic.
According to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), if a dog eats 0.5 % of its body weight in garlic, it can show signs of poison. In otherwords, just five grams (0.18 ounces) of garlic per kilogram (2.2 lbs), or two grams (0.07 ounces) of garlic per pound, can mean an emergency trip to the Vet for Fido. As you can see, it doesn't take much.
Chocolate: If you take nothing else from this article, please remember this! The chemical contained in chocolate - theobromine - can be fatal to our furry friends! Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of dark chocolate, or seven ounces (198 grams) of milk chocolate can bring on vomiting in a 50 pound dog!
Chocolate also contains the methylxanthine compound reffered to earlier in coffee, making the combination a deadly & dangerous combination for our best friends. Dogs don't metabolize & excrete theobromine as fast as humans, causing a toxic build up in the blood.
So, how can you tell if Fido has been the victim of chocolate toxicity? The signs can occur withing hours. They include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures and coma. This one is serious, so be sure to tell the children, no chocolate for the dog. No matter how much they beg, just say no!
Grapes: Animal toxicologists have found that grapes and raisins can cause acute renal and kidney failure in dogs.
Though the research is ongoing, some suspect the cause may be a compound soluble in water, which is indigestibal to dogs. A possible fungal toxin is also suspected.
One thing is known for sure. As few as ten raisins or grapes could be fatal to your beloved pooch.
Onions: Aside from the breath issue, onions for your dog is a bad idea for another reason. The damage caused by ingesting onions is cumultive, so small tastes over time can be potentially worse than if Spot ate the whole bulb at once.
Whether its done over time, or all at once, the eating of onions by dogs can cause anemia.
Anything onion, like anything garlic, also contains the thiosulphate compound, which we now know dogs lack the enzyme to digest.
Yeast: Like alcohol, ingestion of yeast can cause fatal damage. Active yeast found in raw bread releases alcohol as it grows.
Yeast enjoys moist, warm environments - like a dogs stomach. The expanding dough can prevent blood from flowing to the heart, by distending or expanding the abdomen.
Macadamia Nuts: Expets have yet to discover why just a few of these nuts can produce tremors, even temporary paralysis, in a dogs hind legs.
High phosphorus content in nuts in general, can cause kidney stones in dogs. And it doesn't take much...four or five nuts and a 10 pound dog can show signs of poison. The holidays are nearing, so be extra vigilant with that nut cracker this holiday season!
Finally, just another precautionary note about the dangers of Antifreeze and your pets. Every year it is estimated that about 10,000 cats & dogs will be the victims of accidental anitfreeze poisoning. Most commercial brands of antifreeze consists of about 95 % ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical. Just a few licks of this sweet-tasting liquid can be fatal to your cat or dog. (It is also extremely hazardous to children!)
For a medium sized dog, ingestion of about 2 ounces (3-4 tablespoons)is toxic. For a cat, as little as 1/4 of an ounce (1-2 teaspoons) can be fatal.
Both cats & dogs are attracted to the taste and smell of antifreeze. So when changing out that radiator in preparation for the upcoming winter season, please use extra care to be sure there is none left on the ground for our furry loved ones to sample.
Antifreeze poisoning occurs in two stages: In the first stage, the ethylene glycol in the antifreeze causes a drunken appearance in the animal within about 30 minutes which may continue for several hours. After passing through stage 1, the animal appears to recover. Stage 2 begins when the dog's liver begins metabolizing the ethylene glycol, changing it into more toxic substances. Within 12 to 36 hours of ingestion, these metabolites have reached such a level that the dog's kidneys stop functioning, and the animal slips into a coma.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include a drunken appearance including staggering, lack of coordination, and apparent disorientation and vomiting. The animal may appear listless and depressed. Because early signs of antifreeze poisoning often mimic signs of other illness, neither you or your veterinarian may suspect antifreeze poisoning until it is too late. Fortunately, in house lab tests performed by your veterinarian by assist in the diagnosis of antifreeze toxicity.
Getting the dog or cat to a veterinarian is critical within the first 9-12 hours following ingestion. After that length of time, the liver will have already begun metabolizing the ethylene glycol into substances that cause kidney failure and ultimately death. Many people have asked, "What should be done to immediately care for my pet. Should I induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to my pet?"
Please take note: These are very short term fixes and not a cure. The faster your pet is treated by a veterinarian the better the chances of recovery. Again, this poison is extremely toxic.
So, remember that just because you can do someting...it doesn't mean you should. When Kitty or Fido start begging for that tasty little morsel left over on our plates...for their health and our peace of mind...just say no! And please watch those household and garage chemicals. Our furry friends only know what smells and tastes good...not what is good for them. Just like our two-legged children, they depend on us to sort that out for them, and to protect them from themselves!
About This Site
This is site has been started for the benefit of the greater Greenwood County, Kansas area in general, and the City of Eureka, Kansas in particular. It is hoped that you will embrace it as your own, and visit it often.
Every attempt will made to keep it as current as possible, and I hope you will find it useful. I have attached some links to sites where the reader can get information on pet medications if you choose to order them by mail, and also from sites which offer excellent information regarding our furry friends. If you have a favorite site of your own, please feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to post it here. Or, you can post a comment of your own, and share your favorites with us that way.
I will be publishing pictures of every lost dog or cat I pick up here. Please check back often, and tell your friends & neighbors to check often as well too. Dogs and cats that have not been claimed in five days will be eligible for adoption. Please contact me through the City Administrators Office - (620)583-6140 - to learn more about the fees for pet adoption. You can also contact the City Clerks Office - (620)583-6511 - and they will be happy to answer your questions as well. This is also the place to pick up your dog/cat tags.
I will be posting articles on pet health, pet behavior, animal care tips, puppy/dog training tips and information relating to the local city codes and your pets. If you have questions of a particular nature on any of these topics, or on topics not covered here, please send them to me at snoopy7248@mchsi.com. I will answer them for you as quickly as possible. Be sure to send your preference of contact, along with the appropriate number or e-mail address.
This is the Grand Opening of our site, and we will have a few growing pains I am sure. But we will try & keep it as fresh & informative as possible, and encourage your feedback as to how we can make it better.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Steve Taylor
Eureka Animal Control
Every attempt will made to keep it as current as possible, and I hope you will find it useful. I have attached some links to sites where the reader can get information on pet medications if you choose to order them by mail, and also from sites which offer excellent information regarding our furry friends. If you have a favorite site of your own, please feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to post it here. Or, you can post a comment of your own, and share your favorites with us that way.
I will be publishing pictures of every lost dog or cat I pick up here. Please check back often, and tell your friends & neighbors to check often as well too. Dogs and cats that have not been claimed in five days will be eligible for adoption. Please contact me through the City Administrators Office - (620)583-6140 - to learn more about the fees for pet adoption. You can also contact the City Clerks Office - (620)583-6511 - and they will be happy to answer your questions as well. This is also the place to pick up your dog/cat tags.
I will be posting articles on pet health, pet behavior, animal care tips, puppy/dog training tips and information relating to the local city codes and your pets. If you have questions of a particular nature on any of these topics, or on topics not covered here, please send them to me at snoopy7248@mchsi.com. I will answer them for you as quickly as possible. Be sure to send your preference of contact, along with the appropriate number or e-mail address.
This is the Grand Opening of our site, and we will have a few growing pains I am sure. But we will try & keep it as fresh & informative as possible, and encourage your feedback as to how we can make it better.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Steve Taylor
Eureka Animal Control
Friday, September 21, 2007
Show you care!
There are many things we as pet owners can do, to show our furry friends we care about them. The first thing is a visit to the Vets Office. Our dogs and cats need those shots to protect their health, just like our children do. And they need that first exam for parasites, teeth and potential genetic issues like arthritis and hip problems too.
Another way to show we care is to have our pets tagged for rabies, and get those City tags if required. In many instances, the tags are used to help reunite owner and missing pets. Also, if an animal is properly tagged, there is a good chance your pet may returned home instead of taken to the pound.
Our pets come to depend on us for their daily needs, just like our children do. They need ample food & clean water daily, and adequate shelter from the elements at all times. Check the areas where you keep your pet tied up, to ensure they can reach those items when they need them, and to be sure they can't suffer injuries from things which may become entangled in their leads. Fido will also be very grateful if you haven't tied him up next to any ant hills or wasp nests!
And most important, socialize with your pet. Spending time with your dog or cat everyday will pay dividends later if they escape the safety of their home & yard. Well socialized animals will not have a fear of people, and will make their capture & return home much easier later if needed. With dogs, it will also help curb aggressive behavior towards strangers. Your postal delivery person will thank you too!
Another thing to remember - and one of the most important - is that our dogs NEED to be loved. They are not called our "best friends" for nothing. They want to be near us, petted by us, and yes...even told they are loved by us. While they may or may not understand what we are saying, they understand the emotions, the tone & inflection of our voices, and the gentleness of our touch. Dogs that are confined outdoors bark and howl because they are lonely, scared, bored, hungry, thirsty or any combination of these. They can't ask for what they want, so they bark & howl. They need us to be the smart and attentive ones, who will try and figure out how we can help them feel better and more secure. And more loved.
Finally, show your pet you care by having them spayed or neutered. Dogs & cats that are not spayed or neutered have a much greater risk of either testicular cancer for males, or ovarian cancer for females. And the risks gets greater as they older. Also, many studies have shown that animals that are fixed tend not to wander so far from home, if at all. This is because they do not need to be searching out that female in heat, or their potential suitor if they are female. Additionally, having your pet fixed can help eliminate much of their aggressive behavior, since studies have also shown that most aggressive behavior comes from fighting over potential mates.
We spend a lot of our time as parents trying to teach our children to be good and responsible citizens. As part of the greater community in which we live, this also means being a responsible pet owner. Having our pets properly tagged and vaccinated, and not letting them run wild throughout the neighborhood defecating on our neighbors finely manicured lawn, should be part of that teaching. It also has the added bonus of helping keep our furry loved ones from being attacked by angry neighbors, pursued by wild predators like Coyotes, or run over by speeding cars.
Our pets need us...probably more than we need them. They depend on us for those basic needs everyday, and suffer greatly when those needs are not being met. So love your pets as you would have them love you. They need training so they will know boundaries, just like our kids. They need to know when they do good, not just when they do bad. They need to be socialized so they will be friends to all, not just to you. Because whether you have thought of it or not....they share your home, and thus, they too are a part of our community. Like our children, they will turn out to be what we help make them.
Show them you care, and help make them a part of our community we are proud of!
Another way to show we care is to have our pets tagged for rabies, and get those City tags if required. In many instances, the tags are used to help reunite owner and missing pets. Also, if an animal is properly tagged, there is a good chance your pet may returned home instead of taken to the pound.
Our pets come to depend on us for their daily needs, just like our children do. They need ample food & clean water daily, and adequate shelter from the elements at all times. Check the areas where you keep your pet tied up, to ensure they can reach those items when they need them, and to be sure they can't suffer injuries from things which may become entangled in their leads. Fido will also be very grateful if you haven't tied him up next to any ant hills or wasp nests!
And most important, socialize with your pet. Spending time with your dog or cat everyday will pay dividends later if they escape the safety of their home & yard. Well socialized animals will not have a fear of people, and will make their capture & return home much easier later if needed. With dogs, it will also help curb aggressive behavior towards strangers. Your postal delivery person will thank you too!
Another thing to remember - and one of the most important - is that our dogs NEED to be loved. They are not called our "best friends" for nothing. They want to be near us, petted by us, and yes...even told they are loved by us. While they may or may not understand what we are saying, they understand the emotions, the tone & inflection of our voices, and the gentleness of our touch. Dogs that are confined outdoors bark and howl because they are lonely, scared, bored, hungry, thirsty or any combination of these. They can't ask for what they want, so they bark & howl. They need us to be the smart and attentive ones, who will try and figure out how we can help them feel better and more secure. And more loved.
Finally, show your pet you care by having them spayed or neutered. Dogs & cats that are not spayed or neutered have a much greater risk of either testicular cancer for males, or ovarian cancer for females. And the risks gets greater as they older. Also, many studies have shown that animals that are fixed tend not to wander so far from home, if at all. This is because they do not need to be searching out that female in heat, or their potential suitor if they are female. Additionally, having your pet fixed can help eliminate much of their aggressive behavior, since studies have also shown that most aggressive behavior comes from fighting over potential mates.
We spend a lot of our time as parents trying to teach our children to be good and responsible citizens. As part of the greater community in which we live, this also means being a responsible pet owner. Having our pets properly tagged and vaccinated, and not letting them run wild throughout the neighborhood defecating on our neighbors finely manicured lawn, should be part of that teaching. It also has the added bonus of helping keep our furry loved ones from being attacked by angry neighbors, pursued by wild predators like Coyotes, or run over by speeding cars.
Our pets need us...probably more than we need them. They depend on us for those basic needs everyday, and suffer greatly when those needs are not being met. So love your pets as you would have them love you. They need training so they will know boundaries, just like our kids. They need to know when they do good, not just when they do bad. They need to be socialized so they will be friends to all, not just to you. Because whether you have thought of it or not....they share your home, and thus, they too are a part of our community. Like our children, they will turn out to be what we help make them.
Show them you care, and help make them a part of our community we are proud of!
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