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HALLOWEEN TIPS FOR PETS -- Wednesday October 21st, 2009
1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.
* Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—and even seizures.
* Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.
* Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.
2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed.
3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.
5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it. For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.
6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturel or donning a festive bandana.
7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.
10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you
RAINING CATS & KITTENS -- Wednesday August 26th, 2009
Urgent!!!! Our local shelters are full with cats and kittens. If you are thinking of adopting a cat or a kitten, now is the time. Please visit your local shelter where a special feline friend is waiting just for you. Please! Before time runs out on them.
HELPING WILDLIFE -- Saturday March 7th, 2009
Many times a wild animal's life can be saved by not interfering.
To "rescue" a wild animal or not??? Sometimes this can be a very tricky question. But it is definitely one that needs a lot of attention. And a little extra knowledge can go a long way toward keeping otherwise healthy animals with their natural parents.
Now, just to make this clear, we are not referring to injured animals. If there is any sign of injury (sorry to be graphic, but blood dripping, limbs dangling, animals trapped in something, etc.) always bring the animal to a rehabilitator as quickly as possible.
We know it sounds like such any easy assessment to make, but every year rehab centers are swamped with what we refer to as kidnapped victims. When in doubt it is always better to bring them in for rehabbers to assess. These are usually animals who are still dependent on their parents for survival, but are starting to learn how to do a few things for themselves like fly. As young birds fledge, they inevitably hit a stage where nature seems to be hindering them and their wings grew in faster than their tail. They are just starting to get adventurous, and wham, they are stuck on the ground for a few days.
This is usually how long it takes for the tail feathers to catch up. It makes no sense from a survival standpoint, but it is just something evolution seems to have done to them. These birds are still being cared for by their parents and usually will manage to hop into low shrubs for protection. But many times people find them sitting in the middle of the yard looking completely lost. One of the easiest ways to assess whether or not the parent is still there is to go anywhere near this little fledgling. Usually this will result in very loud chastising from the parents who are avidly watching what you are doing. Sometimes you may even get dive-bombed. What we suggest if this happens is to just make sure the fledgling is safe (no dogs, cats, people can bother it). And the parents will generally encourage the baby to move away from you, as in their eyes, you are a very large predator.
BABY BUNNIES...
*If their nest has been damaged it can be repaired. Look for a shallow depression lined with grass/fur. Place babies in nest with light layers of grass to hide them. Leave the area, or the mother won't return. (Mothers return only at dawn & dusk).
*If you find healthy bunnies that are 4-5 inches long, able to hop, with eyes open and ears up, they do not need help. They are able to survive on their own. Leave them alone. Questions? Call a wildlife rehabilitator.
FAWNS...
*Mothers normally leave their babies to feed.
*If the baby looks cold, hungry, diseased or confused...or if dogs or other animals, or people threaten its safety, call a wildlife rehabilitator or park ranger.
Otherwise, leave the baby alone and leave the area. The mother will not return if people or pets are present.
LOCAL WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS:
*Second Chance Wildlife - Gaithersburg, MD 301.926.9453
*Wildlife Rescue, Inc. - Hampstead, MD 443.507.0950
*All Creatures Great and Small Wildlife Center - Columbia, MD 410.740.5096
XYLITOL - TOXIC TO DOGS -- Saturday June 14th, 2008
The Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has managed a substantially increased number of cases involving xylitol poisoning in dogs. Found in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, and baked goods, xylitol is a sweetener that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening problems for pets.
The center managed more than 170 cases of xylitol poisoning in 2005, up from approximately 70 in 2004, said Dana Farbman, a certified veterinary technician and spokesperson for the center. As of August, the center had managed nearly 114 cases in 2006.
An increase in availability of xylitol-containing products may be one reason for the rise in cases, Farbman said.
While it was previously thought that only large concentrations of xylitol could cause problems in dogs, lesser amounts of the sweetener may also be harmful, the center reported.
"Our concern used to be mainly with products that contain xylitol as one of the first ingredients," said Dr. Eric Dunayer, who specializes in toxicology at the center. "However, we have begun to see problems developing from ingestions of products with lesser amounts of this sweetener." Dr. Dunayer said that with smaller concentrations of xylitol, the onset of clinical signs could be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion.
According to Dr. Dunayer, dogs ingesting substantial amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. "These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product. Therefore, it is crucial that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately," Dr. Dunayer said. He also said that there appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.
AVOIDING DOG BITES -- Sunday February 24th, 2008
Q: How can I avoid being bitten by a dog?
A: Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Don't pet a dog—even your own—without letting him see and sniff you first. Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. Don't disturb a dog while she's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or a threat.
Q: What should I do if I think a dog may attack?
A: If you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps:
Never scream and run. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight. If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog. If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
Q: What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?
A: If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, try not to panic. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. Contact your physician for additional care and advice. Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog, including his owner's name and the address where he lives. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control official what the dog looks like, where you saw him, whether you've seen him before, and in which direction he went.
Q: Can children be taught to avoid being bitten by a dog?
A: Yes, just as we teach our children to practice safety in other situations, we can teach them to be safe around dogs. The most important lessons for children to learn are not to chase or tease dogs they know and to avoid dogs they don't know.
DOG FIGHTING FACT SHEET -- Friday July 27th, 2007
1. What is dogfighting?
Dogfighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other for the spectators' entertainment and gambling. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours. Dogfights end when one of the dogs will not or cannot continue. In addition to these dogfights, there are reports of an increase in unorganized street fights in urban areas.
The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American Pit Bull Terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones.
Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are often sacrificed as well. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements.
3. Are there other concerns?
Yes. Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal "sport." Young children are sometimes present at the events, which can promote insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence and a lack of respect for the law. Illegal gambling is the norm at dogfights. Dog owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons have been found at dogfights because of the large amounts of cash present. And dogfighting has been connected to other kinds of violence—even homicide, according to newspaper reports. In addition, illegal drugs are often sold and used at dogfights.
4. What other effects does the presence of dogfighting have on people and animals in a community?
Dogs used for fighting have been bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive toward other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on other animals but also on people. Children are especially at risk, because their small size may cause a fighting dog to perceive a child as another animal.
5. Why should dogfighting be a felony offense?
There are several compelling reasons. Because dogfighting yields such large profits for participants, the minor penalties associated with misdemeanor convictions are not a sufficient deterrent. Dogfighters merely absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business. The cruelty inherent in dogfighting should be punished by more than a slap on the hand. Dogfighting is not a spur-of-the-moment act; it is a premeditated and cruel practice.
Those involved in dogfighting go to extensive lengths to avoid detection by law enforcement, so investigations can be difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Law enforcement officials are more inclined to investigate dogfighting if it is a felony. As more states make dogfighting a felony offense, those remaining states with low penalties will become magnets for dogfighters.
6. Do some states already have felony laws?
Yes. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in almost every state.
7. Should being a spectator also be a felony?
Yes. Spectators provide much of the profit associated with dogfighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps keep this "sport" alive. Because dogfights are illegal and therefore not widely publicized, spectators do not merely happen upon a fight; they seek it out. They are willing participants who support a criminal activity through their paid admission and attendance.
8. What can I do to help stop dogfighting?
If you live in one of the states where dogfighting is still only a misdemeanor, please write to your state legislators and urge them to make it a felony. To find out how your state treats dogfighting, visit www.hsus.org and go to the page on State Dogfighting Laws.
We encourage you also to write letters to the media to increase public awareness of the dangers of dogfighting and to law enforcement officials or prosecutors and judges to urge them to take the issue seriously. If you suspect that dogfighting is going on in your own neighborhood, alert your local law enforcement agency and urge agency officials to contact The HSUS for practical tools, advice and assistance.
FIGHTING - SHELTER TOLL -- Tuesday July 24th, 2007
FIGHTING TAKES TOLL ON SHELTERS
Six in Columbus, Ohio. Thirty-seven in South Holland, Ill. Thirty-one in Reelsboro, N.C, 22 in Richland County, S.C., and four more in Chicago.
In the last two weeks alone, animal control and police departments around the country have seized dozens of wounded, scarred and scared Pit Bulls from houses, barns, backyards and city streets. The 52 Pit Bulls rescued from Michael Vick's property in April may be the most famous victims of dogfighting, but they aren't the only ones.
And animal shelters bear the brunt of cleaning up after the barbaric practitioners of this bloodsport, spending their limited resources on investigations, seizures and long-term care. Due largely to animal fighting, Pit Bulls and Pit mixes make up about 30 percent of the shelter dog population nationwide; in city shelters, that number can climb as high as 75 percent.
For animals who've been rescued from dogfighters, the shelter is usually the best home they will ever know. Caring for them is among the most difficult challenges shelters face. Most Pit Bulls in dogfighting situations are confined to chains or locked inside crates when not being subjected to brutal training regimens. Deprived of normal, healthy activity, they arrive at shelters in a high state of arousal. Once in their kennels, they've been known to chew through walls, rip out automatic watering systems and chew on stainless steel bowls as if they were toys.
Because these dogs are trained to fight and conditioned to be aggressive, most shelters conclude that placing animals seized from dogfighters in new homes presents too many risks to people, other pets and the dogs themselves. But many of the dogs must still be held as evidence as cases makes their way to trial. To alleviate their boredom and frustration, compassionate shelter workers have devised creative "toys" other dogs would turn their noses up at: bowling balls to push around, for instance, or giant blocks of ice embedded with kibble.
These enrichment efforts give dogs who've led lives of misery at least some small comfort, but shelter workers nationwide would prefer to prevent their suffering in the first place. Some organizations run proactive campaigns to spay and neuter Pit Bulls, encourage local citizens to report suspected dogfighting activities, lobby law enforcement officials to recognize dogfighting as a serious crime and highlight the positive attributes of Pit Bulls as pets.
What You Can Do
You can also help Pit Bulls and join the fight against the brutal practice of dogfighting by:
reporting suspected dogfighting activities or any other evidence of possible animal cruelty to your local animal control agency, police department or humane society; supporting your local shelter and humane law enforcement/animal control agencies by volunteering your time, donating items to assist with the care of animals or making a financial contribution; join us in supporting legislation seeking stiffer penalties for animal fighting; and learning the truth about Pit Bulls, many of whom make great pets. Spread the word: one of the best ways to help these animals is by dispelling the myths and stigma associated with the breed.
SECOND-HAND SMOKE & PETS -- Tuesday November 28th, 2006
Second-hand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke or ETS, is clearly associated with cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular disease in humans. Several studies have shown that up to 20 different carcinogens contained in tobacco smoke can be inhaled by non-smoking bystanders.
Dr. Timothy Fan, veterinary oncologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, explains that although associations between ETS and diseases in animals have not been as extensively researched, a handful of studies show a correlation between ETS and certain forms of cancer in pets.
A Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine study found a strong correlation between ETS and an oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, in cats. Cats living with smokers had higher incidence of this type of cancer. Cats living with more than one smoker and cats exposed to ETS for longer than five years have an even higher incidence of this cancer.
Why mouth cancer? Since cats groom themselves quite diligently, cats in smoking households can lick up carcinogens that have been deposited on their fur. Daily grooming over a long period of time can expose the delicate skin in the mouth to hazardous amounts of carcinogens.
The University of Massachusetts in Amherst also found that cats exposed to ETS have a slightly elevated risk of developing malignant lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph nodes. Since the lymph nodes filter the blood, inhaled or ingested carcinogens can build up in these structures.
In dogs, ETS is significantly associated with nasal sinus cancer and weakly associated with lung cancer. A study at Colorado State found a higher incidence of nasal cavity tumors in dogs exposed to ETS than in dogs that live in non-smoking households. This higher incidence was specifically found amongst long-nosed breed dogs such as Collies, and there was no significant increase in nasal tumors amongst short- to medium-nosed dogs exposed to ETS.
Dr. Fan explains that longer-nosed dogs may have a higher incidence of ETS-induced tumors for two reasons. "Smokers inhale smoke through their mouths, and it ends up depositing in the lungs. Bystanders, on the other hand, usually inhale ETS through the nose." Long-nosed dogs' nasal passages have a greater surface area on which carcinogens may be deposited before reaching the lungs.
"In addition," says Dr. Fan, "since a longer nose has nasal passages with a greater number of cells, there is a greater chance that one of these cells can be mutated by carcinogens into a cancer cell." Colorado State also found that although short- to medium-nosed dogs exposed to ETS dont have a greater incidence of nasal tumors than those unexposed, they do have a slightly higher incidence of lung cancer, possibly because their shorter nasal passages are less effective at filtering carcinogens out of inhaled air before it reaches the lungs.
Unlike humans, who can develop bladder cancer as a result of ETS exposure, dogs and cats generally don't run a higher risk of bladder cancer when exposed.
As the human-animal bond becomes stronger, we share more of our lives, our leisure time and our living space with our companion animals, and they become exposed to the same environmental hazards that we do. Many of our habits, including smoking, can affect our pets as they would affect any other member of our household. Designating a smoking area outside or in a physically separate room of the house may be on way to minimize ETS exposure for pets and other non-smoking family members.
For more information about environmental tobacco smoke and your pet, consult your veterinarian.