ASPCA KEEP VACATIONING PETS SAFE WITH OUR AIR & ROAD TRAVEL TIPS

Your summer vacation’s almost here—and for some pet parents, traveling’s no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come along. But without thoughtful preparation, going on the road or flying can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. Before you embark on your journey, the ASPCA would like to offer a few helpful hints.

* Please visit your veterinarian before traveling to make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and has all the medications he needs. Also ask about parasites or other health risks native to your destination.
* Your pet should always wear a collar and ID tag clearly stating an address or phone number where you can be reached—that includes cell phone number and destination info.
* Always bring plenty of plastic jugs filled with bottled or tap water from home. Drinking water she’s not used to could upset your pet’s stomach. If flying, freeze water in a bowl the night before. It won’t spill during loading and it’ll melt by the time she’s thirsty.
* Fly your pet in a USDA-approved shipping crate large enough for her to comfortably stand, sit and turn around in. Write “Live Animal” in large letters on at least two sides of the crate, and draw arrows indicating the crate’s upright position. (Of course you should ask the airline if small animals can fly with you in the cabin.)
* If driving, never leave your pet in a parked automobile. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a stationary vehicle can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop.

To ensure your trip is a good one, please read our complete air and road travel tips. Wanna get off to a safe and stylish start? Check out the ASPCA’s special line of travel gear for pets. Bon voyage!

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Eddies Wheels for pets

Daisy, queen of dachshunds, overlooking her

If you ever need a wheel chair for a dog- visit Eddie.

These people are amazing.

When their own dog, Buddha, lost her mobility due to disc disease, they built her a dogcart to help her get around. After so many years of faithful service, she deserved a chance to rehabilitate and enjoy life while she healed. That meant a cart designed to allow her to explore the woods, wade in the river, and play with other dogs, as she had always done. After several months in her cart, she gradually, miraculously, regained her ability to walk on her own again. She proved to us that given time and care, dogs with disabilities can not only survive, sometimes they can heal. And they have learned from the hundreds of disabled pets we have built carts for since then, that even those with permanent disabilities can enjoy life in their wheels.

The business has now blossomed and they make dog wheels for dogs all over the world.
They have been featured on the Today Show as well.

Eddie's Wheels for Pets
140 State Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Toll-free: 888-211-2700
Local Phone: 413-625-0033
Fax: 413-625-8428

http://www.eddieswheels.com/html/our_story.html

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Allergic to your pet?

When you have a pet allergy, you may exhibit the signs and symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis).

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof or mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Rash/Itching
  

If you have asthma, you may also experience increased signs and symptoms of asthma, such as:

• Lung congestion
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Cough

Signs and symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to pet dander or saliva. If your sensitivity to the allergen is low, however, signs and symptoms may not appear until hours after contact.The tiny dander particles on your pet are sticky.

The most effective treatment for pet allergy is to avoid exposure to animals.

If your allergy is mild and you'd like to keep your pet, prevention measures may help minimize your exposure to pet dander and the resulting allergic reactions.

Medications
When you can't control your allergic reactions to pet dander with prevention measures, your doctor may recommend or prescribe allergy medications. These may include:

• Nonprescription medications. To counter the signs and symptoms of allergy-induced hay fever, short-acting antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, others), decongestants (Sudafed, Chlor-Trimeton, others) or a nasal spray containing cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom) may help.
• Prescription hay fever medications.
  

mayoclinic

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Leptospirosis : Do you think that letting your pet drink rain water is okay?

Do you think that letting your pet drink rain water is okay?
Think again.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Many different kinds of animals carry the bacterium; they may become sick but sometimes have no symptoms. Leptospira organisms have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals.

Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample. Most of the time, animals catch Lepto by drinking from puddles or streams that contain urine from rodents. Rain water can spread the disease.

In pets, Leptospirosis can cause mild symptoms such as reduced energy, or a weak appetite, but it can lead to fever, vomiting and in some cases death.

If you notice your dog suffering from any of the symptoms, take him to the vet immediately.

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ASPCA:animal cruelty

What constitutes animal cruelty?

Animal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

• Tick or flea infestations
• Wounds on the body
• Patches of missing hair
• Extremely thin, starving animal
• Limping
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard
• Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—and have not been taken to a veterinarian
• Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

What constitutes federal cruelty to animals?

There is no federal cruelty law—and technically, there cannot be. Animal cruelty is dealt with on the state level because the United States Constitution limits the areas in which Congress can pass federal laws applicable nationwide (Article 1, Section 8), and instructs that everything else is up to individual states to handle.

The U.S. Congress’s broadest Constitutional power is over activities that impact or affect international and interstate commerce. Acts of animal cruelty typically occur in a fixed place, and probably cannot be interpreted to impact interstate commerce—not yet, anyway—so the federal government has no jurisdiction over them. Some exceptions to the rule are federal laws involving the transportation of animals across state lines, such as the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act.

The growth of Internet commerce has led to another exception—the federal government's "Crush Act," which provides punishment, ranging in severity from a fine to five years in prison, for the display of acts of cruelty and sexual abuse intended for interstate commerce.

How to Report Animal Cruelty

What information should I have on hand when I make a report of animal cruelty?

Try to gather the following information before submitting a report of animal cruelty:

• A concise, written, factual statement of what you observed—giving dates and approximate times whenever possible—to provide to law enforcement.
• Photographs of the location, the animals in question and the surrounding area. However, please do not put yourself in danger! Do not enter another person’s property without permission, and exercise great caution around unfamiliar animals who may be frightened or in pain.
• If you can, provide law enforcement with the names and contact information of other people who have firsthand information about the abusive situation.

Remember, never give away a document without making a copy for yourself!

ASPCA

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Humane Society: Keeping Your Pets Cool This Summer

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Bad news people foods

Avocados
They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.

Beer
Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal's liver and brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.

Nuts
Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat's heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is exercising or overly active.

Candy
Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.

Caffeine
Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal's central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the animal consumes.

Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.

Onions
Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time.

Medicine
Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children. The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.

And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet parent's medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.

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helpful tips on how to keep pets safe and having fun.

24Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program, is offering some helpful tips on how to keep pets safe and having fun.



-- Go solo. When it comes to running errands in the summer heat, go it alone. A car parked in the summer sun can heat up like a microwave in a matter of minutes.

-- Have water bowls frequently checked and refreshed.

-- Walking on the sun. Pets will benefit from sunscreen. Take some time to apply sun protection especially to sensitive areas like the outer ears, mouth and nose.

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Garden products can be harmful to pets,

* Consider least-toxic alternatives. Use corn gluten herbicide to control crabgrass. Insecticidal soap is an effective and safe way to treat many insect pest problems. However, note that even organic alternatives can be toxic to pets so use all lawn and garden products with care.
* Read and follow the directions on product labels. Check caution statements. For example, pesticide labels may tell you to keep pets away from plants for 24 hours after application
* Mix and apply solutions carefully. More is not better, and a too-strong concentration of a pesticide or fertilizer can harm plants as well as pets.
* Store fertilizers and pesticides in their original containers, making sure the covers are on tight. Store in a secure area inaccessible to pets.
* Choose nontoxic plants, especially around puppies and other pets that like to eat plants.
* Use cocoa mulch with care; some pets are attracted to the scent and will eat it. Like chocolate, cocoa mulch can be toxic to pets.
* Use only products labeled for your type of pet. Don't use human sunscreen on a dog, for example, or dog flea-control products on cats.

In particular, keep pets away from:

* Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde (choose a safer iron phosphate bait instead)
* Poison baits used to control rodents
* Citronella products
* Mosquito repellants containing DEET


Learn more at the National Animal Poison Control Center's What To Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned Web page - http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_whattodo.

The Animal Poison Control Center - http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc offers a free Pet Safety Pack which includes an Animal Poison Control Center magnet with the APCC's emergency number and Web site address.

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How puppies rid stress

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Easy steps to keep pets healthy

The Washington Post

We may be treating our pets more like people all the time, but we shouldn't forget some basic safety tips for interacting with them, for our protection and theirs.

• Always wash your hands after touching pets, food bowls, litter stations and other pet-related equipment, and make sure your children do the same, especially before you eat.

• Cats may love to roam, but they're really better off indoors, so they don't eat things they shouldn't, dart into traffic or pick up diseases from feral cats or rodents.

• Groom your cat or dog regularly to keep him healthy and reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Frequent brushing can also cut down on fleas and ticks.

• Keep litter boxes as clean as possible by using disposable plastic liners. Disinfect boxes occasionally by filling with boiling water and letting it stand five minutes. Also, keep the litter box well away from cooking and eating areas.

• Trim your dog's or cat's nails regularly to prevent them scratching you and your furnishings. If someone is scratched, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.

This good advice is from the World Wide Pet Industry Association. For more information, go to www.petsource.org.

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Allergy Advice from the Humane Society

According to the Humane Society, studies show that approximately 15 percent of the population is allergic to dogs or cats. An estimated one-third of Americans who are allergic to cats (about two million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway. In a study of 341 adults who were allergic to cats or dogs and had been advised by their physicians to give up their pets, only one out of five did. What's more, 122 of them obtained another pet after a previous one had died. It's clear the benefits of pet companionship outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies for many owners. Living comfortably with a companion animal despite being allergic to him requires a good understanding of the allergic condition and an adherence to a few rules.


All cats and dogs are allergenic (allergy-causing) to people who are allergic to animals. Cats tend to be more allergenic than dogs for allergic people, although some people are more sensitive to dogs than cats. Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats; even hairless breeds may be highly allergenic.

Dogs with soft, constantly-growing hair—the Poodle or the Bichon Frise, for example—may be less irritating to some individuals, although this may be because they are bathed and groomed more frequently. One dog or cat of a particular breed may be more irritating to an individual allergy sufferer than another animal of that same breed.

The source of irritation to pet-allergic humans? Glands in the animal's skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins, called allergens, that linger in the animal's fur but also float easily in the air. Allergens are present in the animal's saliva and urine, too, and may become airborne when saliva dries on the fur. The severity of reaction to these allergens varies from one person to the next, ranging from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma, and can be complicated by simultaneous allergies to other irritants in the environment.

If your or a family member's allergies are simply miserable, but not life-threatening, take these steps to reduce the symptoms:

*

Create an "allergy free" zone in the home—preferably the bedroom—and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it. Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner (available at almost any home and garden store or discount department store) in the bedroom. Consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows because allergen particles brought into the room on clothes and other objects can accumulate in them.
*

Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home, and avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds. Use a "microfilter" bag in the vacuum cleaner to effectively catch all the allergens.
*

Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergens on fur by as much as 84 percent. Although products are available that claim to reduce pet allergens when sprayed on the animal's fur, studies show they are less effective than a weekly bath. Even cats can become accustomed to being bathed; check with your veterinarian's staff or a good book on pet care for directions about how to do this properly, and use whatever shampoo your veterinarian recommends.
*

Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. Ask your allergist to specifically test for allergies to pet dander, rather than making an assumption. And understand that allergies are cumulative. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one allergen. So if you're allergic to dust, insecticides, pollen, cigarette smoke, and cat dander, you'll need to reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy. For example, you may need to step up measures to remove cat dander from your home and carefully avoid cigarette smoke during spring, when it is difficult to avoid exposure to pollen.
*

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can improve symptoms but cannot eliminate them entirely. They work by gradually desensitizing a person's immune system to the pet allergens. Allergy-causing proteins are injected under the person's skin, triggering the body to produce antibodies (protective proteins) which block the pet allergen from causing a reaction. Patients are usually given one dose per week for a few weeks to months (depending on the severity of the allergy) and then can often manage with one injection per month.
*

Additional treatments for allergies to pets are symptomatic, including steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills. For asthma, there are multiple medications, sprays, and inhalers available. It is important to find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. A combination of approaches—medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning methods, and immunotherapy—is most likely to succeed in allowing an allergic person to live with pets.

Of course, if you do not currently have a pet and are considering one, and know you are pet-allergic, be sure to consider carefully whether you can live with the allergy before you bring a new pet home. Except in the case of children, who sometimes outgrow allergies, few allergy sufferers become accustomed to pets to whom they are allergic. Too many allergic owners obtain pets without thinking through the difficulties of living with them. And too often, they end up relinquishing pets, a decision that is difficult for the owner and can be life-threatening for the pet.

http://www.hsus.org/

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Things to know about naming pets in wills

Some States have updated their laws concerning pets.

Some states allow people to name a pet as a direct beneficiary of a trust. These laws also allow people to name someone who will enforce their wishes regarding their pet. The 2001 law is an expansion of the common law of trusts, which is still in effect and allows people to leave money to a trustee for the benefit of an individual person whose expenses of caring for the pet are reimbursed by the trustee. A pet trust may be included in a will, or in a separate living trust. Check with your attorney to see what is legal in your state.



Few people leave money for their pet's care


When leaving money, think about certain situations. Name someone who will enforce your wishes regarding pet care. This includes food, exercise, grooming, socialization and medical care is expected.

Also remember compensation for the caregiver, liability insurance and vet visits.


Specify what is to happen with the money that may be left over when the pet dies.

List one or two alternate caregivers in case the first person you designate is not able to carry out your wishes.

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DO YOU KNOW HOW TO POISON-PROOF YOUR HOME?

The ASPCA Wants you to know this important information.

The National Poison Prevention Week is almost here─March 16 to March 22─and because our pets depend on us to keep them safe, we think it’s the perfect time to review the harmful substances your furry explorers may encounter at home. Here are just a few ways to ensure that your household is pet poison-proof:

• Keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants behind tightly closed cabinet doors.
• Make sure chocolate, coffee and other potentially dangerous foods are kept out of pets' reach.
• When using products to eliminate fleas, ticks and other pests, follow directions exactly. Be sure the item you’re using has been formulated specifically for your pet, and check with your veterinarian before using it.
• Many common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe can cause surprisingly severe, even life-threatening effects in pets. Please check our complete lists of toxic and nontoxic plants.
• Take care to use cleaning products that have been proven safe for use around pets. If you do use bleaches, detergents or disinfectants, keep your pets away from the cleaned areas until the product has dried thoroughly, and be sure to store the products in a secure place.

Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) online for lists of specific items that could be dangerous to pets. And if you fear your pet has been poisoned, don’t panic. Call the APCC hotline at (888) 426-4435. Please note that a consultation fee for this service applies.

P.S.: Got questions about dangerous household items? Why not ask our ASPCA experts directly!? Join our live Ask the APCC chat on Thursday, March 20, from noon to 2:00 P.M. in the ASPCA Online Community. Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist, will be ready to answer your toughest questions about pet poison control.

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ASPCA Cold Weather Tips

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

source ASPCA

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Top 10 things dogs eat ... and shouldn't

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Pet microchipping can help you keep track of your pet.

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Ten Most Common Poisonous Plants According to the ASPCA

Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe
This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

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