Senior Track

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PLEASE Read This and Send it to Family and Friends!

Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , Ohio

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but.... Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 ½ times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.

The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter
and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.

He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220.. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize.

This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.

Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them.

First Aid for Pets

Basic Supplies:
Gauze pads, gauze roll/ bandages, roll of cloth, thermometer, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, Q-tips, instant cold pack, rags/ rubber tubing for tourniquet, First Aid book

Handling an Injured Animal
Any animal injured or in pain can bite or scratch you. Even the friendliest of pets must be handled with care for the safety, of all involved. If you are accidentally bitten or scratched, seek medical attention. Both dog and cat bites can become infected quickly!

CATS AND DOGS

Vital Statistics: Pulse and Heart Rate
Normal resting rates:

Cats: 150-200 bpm
Small dogs: 90-120 bpm
Medium dogs: 70-110 bpm
Large dogs: 60-90 bpm

Pulse should be strong, regular and easy to locate.

Checking the pulse
The easiest place to locate a pulse is the femoral artery in the groin area. Place your fingers on the inside of the hind leg and slide your hand upward until the back of your fingers touches the abdomen. Gently move your fingers back and forth on the inside of the hind leg until you feel the pulsing blood. Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4. This will give you the beats per minute (bpm).

Temperature
Normal temp. for dogs and cats: 100-102.5 degrees
Thermometer should be almost clean when removed.
Abnormalities are indicated by blood, diarrhea, or black, tarry stool.

Basic First Aid Procedures
All of the following situations require immediate veterinary care.

Fractures
- Muzzle animal.
- Gently lay animal on a board, wooden door, tarp, etc. padded with blankets.
- Secure animal to the support.
- Do not attempt to set the fracture.
- If a limb is broken, wrap the leg in cotton padding, then wrap with a magazine, rolled newspaper, towel or two sticks. Splint should extend one joint above the fracture and one joint below. Secure with tape. Make sure wrap does not constrict blood flow.
- If the spine, ribs, hip, etc. appears injured or broken, gently place the animal on the stretcher and immobilize it if possible.
Bleeding (external)
- Muzzle animal.
- Press thick gauze pad over wound. Hold firmly until clotting occurs.
- If bleeding is severe, apply a tourniquet between the wound and the heart.
- Loosen tourniquet for 20 seconds every 15-20 minutes.
- A tourniquet is dangerous and should only be used in life-threatening hemorrhaging of a limb. It may result in amputation or disability of the limb.
Bleeding (internal)
- Symptoms: bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum; coughing blood; blood in urine; pale gums; collapse; rapid or weak pulse.
- Keep animal as warm and quiet as possible.
Burns
- Chemical
  - Muzzle animal.
  - Flush immediately with large quantities of cold water.
- Severe
  - Muzzle animal.
  - Quickly apply ice water compresses.
  - Treat for shock if necessary.
Shock
- Symptoms: weak pulse; shallow breathing; nervousness; dazed appearance.
- Often accompanies severe injury or extreme fright.
- Keep animal restrained, quiet and warm.
- If unconscious, keep head level with rest of body.

Restraint Methods
If your animal is injured, you must restrain him/her for your safety as well as your pet's. Muzzle your pet to restrain it unless it is unconscious, has difficulty breathing or has a mouth injury.

Dogs--Muzzles

Speak and move calmly and quietly.
Have someone restrain the dog with a leash.
Approach dog from the side and behind its head; do not attempt to put muzzle on from the front.
Quickly slip a nylon or wire cage muzzle over nose, secure snugly behind ears.
If a muzzle is not available, you can make one from a strip of gauze, rag, necktie, belt or rope about 3 feet long.
- Make a large loop in the center. Quickly slip loop over dog's nose.
- Bring ends under chin. Tie snugly behind ears.

Cats--Muzzles

Speak and move calmly and quietly.
Have someone restrain the cat by holding the scruff of its neck firmly. This does not hurt the cat; it just prevents him/her from moving.
Working from behind the cat, quickly slip a nylon muzzle over the cat's face. The muzzle will cover most of his/her face, including the eyes. Secure snugly behind head.
If you are alone, scruff the cat with one hand and put the muzzle over the cat's face with the other. Slide both hands along muzzle straps and secure behind the head.
If a muzzle is not available, one can be made with a rag or a strip of gauze. Make sure that it is carefully placed around the cat's mouth and securely fastened, as cats can escape from these temporary muzzles.

Cats--Body Restraint

Most cats can be restrained by holding the scruff of the neck.
The "Cat Sack" can be used for fractious or very frightened cats. Slip sack over cat from tail to head, zip up appropriate zippers.
Wrap cat in a towel, making, sure his/her front legs are covered and against the body.
Gloves are not recommended for handling cats. They reduce the handler's dexterity and can easily be penetrated by a cat's teeth.

BIRDS

Basic First Aid Procedures
All of the following situations require immediate veterinary care.

Fractures
- Wing
  - Restrain bird by wrapping in a towel or slipping into a sock with the toe cut out.
- Leg
  - Restrain bird by wrapping in a towel or sock, leaving leg exposed.
  - Splint leg with 2 pieces of adhesive tape placed perpendicular to leg across break site.
Bleeding
- Broken "blood" feather (new feather)
  - Pull feather out gently; bleeding should decrease.
  - Press finger over removal site until bleeding stops.
- Wound or broken nail
  - Apply pressure to site with finger(s). Bleeding should decrease.
  - Apply "Quick Stop" powder or styptic to stop bleeding.
  - Flour or cornstarch can be used in an emergency.
Puncture Wounds
- Wrap bird in towel or sock.
  - See veterinarian: antibiotics are required to prevent infections.

Restraint

Carefully wrap bird in towel, gently folding his/her wings against the body. Keep your hands out of the way of the beak.
Gloves are not recommended for bigger birds. They reduce the handler's dexterity and strong beaks can easily penetrate them.

SMALL MAMMALS AND REPTILES

Restraint

Wrap the animal in a towel or rag, gently folding his/her legs against the body.

This material produced by the
Palo Alto Humane Society in conjunction with the American Red Cross Northern California Disaster Preparedness Network and the Independent Living Resource Center, San Francisco, CA in cooperation with June Kailes, Disability Consultant through a grant from The American Red Cross Northern California Disaster Preparedness Network

Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Halloween can be a frightening time for family dogs. Each Halloween, veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could have been avoided. Here are some ways we can protect pets:

Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits. Keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people in costumes.
Find a secure place in your home to keep your dogs, especially if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many dogs get loose when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares animals, increasing the chance dogs will run away or get hit by cars.
Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.
Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access in case someone accidentally lets your pet out of the place where he's confined. Many dogs will run after trick-or-treaters.
If your dog has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible at least a half-hour before trick-or-treaters arrive.
Consider crating your pet, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever comforts the animal. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds.
If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors, keep him on leash. Pets can become very stressed by holiday activities and unwelcome interruptions in routine. A nervous dog might feel threatened and growl, lunge or bite.
Keep dogs indoors. It's a bad idea to leave dogs out in the yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts. Plus they're likely to bark and howl at the constant flow of treat or treaters.
As for cats, as the ASPCA and other organizations advise, keep cats indoors at all times.
Do not leave dogs in cars.
Keep dogs out of the candy bowl. Dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them, since the wrappers can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Make sure the dogs can't get into the trash. Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is -- and the smaller the lethal dose.
Explain to everyone in your home (including kids) how dangerous treats are to pets. Take young childrenUs candy supply and put it somewhere out of reach of pets. Caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor.
Make sure pets can't reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations or ornaments.
Halloween costumes can annoy animals and pose safety and health hazards...so think twice before dressing up the dog. Make sure the dog can breathe, see and hear, and that the costume is flame retardant. Remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and swallowed. Avoid rubber bands, which can cut off the animal's circulation or, if accidentally left on, can burrow and cut into the animal's skin.
If the animal is very high-strung, consult your vet about tranquilizing for the night.
When walking dogs during or after Halloween, watch carefully for what they might pick up and choke on. Bits of candy and wrappers abound on sidewalks and streets after holidays.
*If you notice these symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to your vet or an emergency vet right away because your pet's life may be in danger:

Excessive drooling
Excessive urination
Pupil dilation
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting and diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Muscle tremors and seizures
Coma

*Click here if your dog has eaten some chocolate

*First Aid Kit and Guidance: Keep a pet First Aid Kit in your home and car. Take the one you keep in your car with you on trips with your pet. This webpage lists items to include:

CPR and Mouth-to-Snout Resuscitation: Print these life-saving brochures to have on hand!
http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html
http://www.rescuecritters.com/cpr.html

When traveling, you can find a nearby veterinarian using AAHA's Animal Hospital Locator:
http://www.healthypet.com/HP_Findahospital.htm

Animal Den

Animal Den - the Animal Lovers Gift Shop. A great selection of products for animals and animal lovers including dogs, cats, marine life, barnyard animals, bugs, birds, reptiles, small critters, wildlife and more. If you love animals or know someone that does, this is the perfect place!

Click here to see all Animal Den Products!

Pet Parenting Tips from the ASPCA

Although you can often find the perfect companion animal at local shelters, getting a pet should never be in impulse decision. Careful research and planning are essential, since being responsible for the happiness and well-being of your pet requires more than just providing adequate food, water and shelter. Potential pet parents should agree with these points before bringing a dog or cat home.

Animals are not disposable! Animals are not articles of clothing to be thrown out once they are no longer in style. The are capable of bonding deeply with their families and they deserve the same devotion from you. Adding a four-legged family member means making a lifelong commitment, which can easily be 10-15 years for dogs and up to 20 for cats.

Protect your pet's health and safety: Acquiring a dog of cat costs more than the adoption fee. Remember to include basic and emergency veterinary care, toys, supplies and food. Don't plan on leaving your dog alone in the backyard 24 hours a day. A dog that is constantly left along can develop behavior problems. Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day. Always keep your cat indoors. Cats who live outside face dangers from other animals and people and may prey on wildlife. Spaying and neutering is also essential for the animal's long-term health and happiness and providing the animal with proper identification will ensure his or her safety.

Choose the right pet for your home: Dogs and cats are not right for every household. Problems such as allergies, apartment restrictions and moving issues should be discovered before adopting a new pet. Large dogs may be too strong or active for small children. Small pets may be too delicate for children. Once you find a dog or cat that's right for you, obedience train your dog and make an effort to really understand cat behavior. Basic training helps you communicate better with your pets and strengthens the human-animal bond.

Teach yourself, family and children about the pet before adopting: Educate yourself and your children through reading books about pet care. Walking a dog several times a day, cleaning up feces, feeding and bathing a pet are all part of the ongoing family responsibilities of caring for an animal. No matter how mature your child is, you will need to provide constant supervision and act as a backup when your child is unable to handle the responsibility. Puppies and children may not mix well. consider your child's age - very young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt a puppy or kitten, which are particularly vulnerable to being pulled at, dropped or picked up inappropriately. Most toy-sized and touch-and-noise-sensitive dogs are not suitable for young children.

Make sure the pet suits your lifestyle: Dogs require daily exercise and attention and the size of the dog should be considered, since a large active dog may not be appropriate for a small apartment. One adult in the home should be designated as the primary caretaker so that the pet's daily needs, such as food and water, do not become lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.

Remember thinking before adopting will save the animal from being returned to the shelter and will offer the pet and family a long and satisfying life together. If you are confident that you are ready to add a four-legged member to your family, try beginning your search at our website www.aspca.org, where you can search shelters and animal rescue groups all across America. Or just take a trip to your local shelter.

To teach children the importance of kindness towards out animal friends, visit our children's website at www.animaland.org.

Editors Note: Please also remember that birds and other small animals become attached to their families as well. They should be considered no more disposable than a cat or dog. As an owner of two small birds, I was surprised when they became very attached to us and seemed to look forward to spending time with us individually. Just because they are easily transported to another home for quick disposal, shouldn't mean their feelings don't matter. They do...birds can hurt too.

Please remember your pets count on you for their safety in emergency situations. They cannot fend for themselves. Treat them as you would any other member of your family. Here are a few valuable tips from ASPCA.

Emergency Pet Preparedness by the ASPCA

Hurricanes, wildfires, flood...if disaster strikes, are you prepared to protect your pets? A few simple steps can help ensure you won't be caught off guard.

Display a Rescue Alert Sticker - A personalized sticker on your front door alerts rescue worker to the type and number of pets indoors. For a free sticker, visit the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org/emergency.

Arrange a Safe Haven - Should you need to evacuate, have a list of reputable boarding kennels, shelters or local hotels that accept pets or arrange ahead to bring your pets to a friend's home. Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets.

Prepare an Emergency Travel Kit - Store an emergency kit and leashed near your home's exit. Include a pet first-aid kit; a two week supply of pet food, water, pet medications, food dished, disposable litter trays and photos of your pets (in case your pet is lost and you need to make posters). A flashlight, blanket (handy for scooping up fearful pets) and a carrier or traveling case are also helpful.

Choose a Designated Caregiver - Give a set of house keys ahead of time to a trusted friend or neighbor in case you're unable to return home to your pets. Arrange for a temporary or long-term foster home in case you cannot care for your pets.

Prepare Your Pets - Collars and tags with up-to-date contact information are essential for all pets. Bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Should your animal become lost, know where your local shelters and rescue organizations are located and start looking for a missing pet as soon as possible.

Prepare Your Home:

For high winds: Utility rooms, bathrooms and basements offer safe havens clear of such hazards as windows or flying debris.
For loss of electricity: Fill up bathtubs and sinks with fresh water ahead of time.
For flooding: Select the highest room in you home that has a counter or shelves where your pet can take shelter.

For more information, to make donations or to report animal cruelty visit the ASPCA Web site at www.aspca.org

Keep Your Pets Safe During Winter

Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, cats can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed
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. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the car hood to give the cat a chance to escape.
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 they always wear I.D. tags.
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 chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
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. The animal can freeze to death. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.
If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy.
Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Unfortunately, because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisoning; more and more people are using animal friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4ANI-HELP) if you suspect your animal has been poisoned
During the winter time dogs and cats need just as much water as during the summertime. Make sure water bowls are not frozen over and never assume they can get their water needs met by eating snow.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect your pet from acquiring dangerous and debilitating diseases such as distemper, parvo-virus, rabies, kennel cough, feline leukemia, FPV, and many other diseases.

Puppies and kittens require more frequent boosters because the immunity the received from their mothers may interfere with their ability to build immunity through their response to vaccinations. Also, their immune systems are not yet mature enough to mount a full response.

Typical Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Age	Vaccine
6-8 weeks	Distemper, ardenovirus (CAV-I), canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV), canine parvovirus (CPV).
9-12 weeks	Distemper, CAV-I, CPiV, CPV, leptospirosis, coronavirus (CoV), intranasal Bordetella and CPiV.
14 weeks	Distemper, CAV-I, CPiV, CPV, leptosperosis, CoV, Lyme disease.
16-18 weeks	Rabies, distemper, CPiV, CPV, leptospirosis, Lyme disease.

Typical Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Age	Vaccine
6-8 weeks	Panleukopenia (FPV), Rhinotrachetis (FVR), Calicivirus (FCV)
12 weeks	2nd FPV, FVR, FCV; Draw ELISA test for Feline Leukemia (FeLV); If ELISA is negative, give 1st FeLV.
16 weeks	1st Rabies, 2nd FeLV, 3rd FPV, FVR, FCV
15-16 months & Annually	FPV, FVR, FCV, FeLV, Rabies (rabies will be repeated according to type of vaccine initially employed).

Great Quotes by Dog Lovers ~

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. ---Unknown
The one absolutely, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. ---George Graham Vest
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man. ---Mark Twain
He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world...When all other friends desert, he remains. ---George G. Vest
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity and all the Virtues of Man without his vices. This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery, if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just Tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog. ---John Cam Hobhouse
But never yet the dog our country fed, Betrayed the kindness or forgot the bread. ---Edward Lytton Bulwer
The more I see of man, the better I like dogs. ---Madame Roland
The gift which I am sending you is called a dog and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind. ---Theodorus Gaza
Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, when doing nothing was not boring - it was peace. ---Milan Kundera
I would rather see a portrait of a dog that I know than all the allegorical paintings in the world. ---Samuel Johnson

Your Pet's Health from our friends at Petscriptions

Your dog’s normal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Higher temperatures may necessitate a trip to your veterinarian, depending on other symptoms. Feeling the ears, nose or head is not considered a reliable method; you have to determine the internal dog temperature to find out for certain. This is done using an oral or rectal thermometer, either digital or mercury. Ear thermometers can also be used in dogs. They are generally fast and easy but it is essential to use a proper technique to obtain an accurate temperature reading.
SCENTED CANDLES CAN SOMETIMES KILL BIRDS!
It has been reported that certain scented candles have caused the deaths of birds. Better to not use any and be safe rather than sorry. Many candles also contain lead wicks which emit poisonous fumes
Poisonous plants:
Make sure to keep your cat or dog away from these danerious plants: Amaryllis, Azalea, Caladium, Calla or arum lily, Daffodil, Delphinium, Elephant’s ear, English holly, Foxglove, Ivy, Jade plant, Jerusalem cherry, Morning glory, Mums, Privet, Wisteria
Lyme Disease:
Lyme is a bacterial disease spread by ticks. Symptoms in dogs include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement and fever. Some dogs have antibodies to the disease, indicating that they have been exposed, but they show no symptoms.

Dog Smarts

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. - Anonymous
Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. - Ann Landers
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. - Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. - Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. - Andy Rooney
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. - M. Acklam
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. - Rita Rudner
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance and to turn around three times before lying down. - Robert Benchley
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. - Franklin P. Jones
If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven and very, very few persons. - James Thurber
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.- Unknown
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. - Joe Weinstein
Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! - Anne Tyler
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. - Mark Twain
You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!' - Dave Barry
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. - Roger Caras
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. - Phil Pastoret
My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. - Unknown

Is your pet left alone quite a bit? Here are a few suggestions that could help cure their blues.

Hide a few snacks around the house: Finding an unexpected treat in an odd corner can brighten a pet's day.
Find a companion: They don't have to be two of a kind. A cat and a dog will get along just fine.
Break the Silence: Turn on the radio or set the answering machine on high and call your pet once in awhile.
Please, Please Please don't leave them in the dark: Either leave on a light or, if you have them, set timers to turn on lamps.
Rotate their toys: After they've been out a day or two, substitute others.

For anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet....

Rainbow Bridge

by M.A. Preston

Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.

When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the the Rainbow Bridge. It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful, lush meadows of green.

Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and sick are made young once more; the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.

Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, someone they had to leave behind.

Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance... bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate. Happy tears and kisses are warm and plenty; your hands caress the face you missed. You look once more into the loving eyes of your pet and know you never really parted. You realize that though out of sight, your love had been remembered.

And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....

Kill fleas instantly. Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations and good-bye fleas!

Rainy day cure for dog odor. Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites and accelerates healing.

Vaseline cure for hairballs. To prevent troublesome hairballs, apply a dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat's nose. The cat will lick off the jelly, lubricating any hair in it's stomach so it can pass easily through the digestive system.

Five Star Puppy Tip!

If you're housebreaking a new pup, try this! To remove odor and wetness from carpeting, blot up urine with paper towels and cover the soiled area with cat-box litter. After the litter has absorbed the liquid, vacuum it up - your carpeting will be odor-free. This really works!

Heatstroke

Summertime can be dangerous time to travel with your pet, as the risk of heatstroke is increased. Pets should never be left alone in a completely enclosed car for ANY period of time. Here are some common signs of heatstroke to look out for:

Panting and quick, shallow breathing
excessive salivation
unusually hot body temperature (over 104 degrees)
Disorientation
Red tongue
Vomiting

If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, take steps to cool him down immediately. Apply a cool, wet towel to his body and keep him out of sunlight. Give him small doses of water. Even if you pet appears to recover, take him to a veterinarian immediately. A qualified doctor will take the necessary steps to make sure your pet is fully recovered.

Home Dangers for your Pet

Store space heater when they're not in use. Do not let your pet learn to trust a cool heater. The next time the animal approaches, it may get burned.
Screen fireplaces to shield pets that curl up beside them from sparks.
Put mesh covering on electric fans to keep curious noses and paws away.
Don't leave sewing supplies lying around. Frequently a pet will start to play with thread and end up swallowing a needle. NEVER pull on a thread that's dangling from your pet's mouth. If a needle is swallowed, you can do major damage to your pet by trying to pull on it. Call your vet immediately.
Watch for dropped rubber bands and broken balloon pieces around the house, some animals find these things intriguing and may swallow them. They can get lodged in their throats or cause intestinal blockage.
Dishes soaking in a sink of hot, sudsy water may result in serious burns for an inquisitive cat or detergent poisoning for a thirsty one.
"If is smells, eat it" is the golden rule among pets, especially dogs. They not only get sick when they eat spoiled food and garbage, but they can also choke on scraps of tinfoil, cellophane, etc. Bones from fish, chicken and other foods can perforate a pet's intestines or become lodged in their throats. Be sure all your garbage is stored in pet-proof containers, inside and outside the house.
If you use automatic toilet-bowl cleaners, keep toilet lids down to be sure your pet doesn't drink from the bowl.
Both dogs and cats munch grass from time to time, but serious illness can be the consequence if your lawn has been treated with chemicals. Also, insecticide that you pet ingests when it licks it's paws after an outdoor romp is no less toxic than if it were drunk from the container. If your lawn is cared for by professionals, be certain that they know you have a pet.
Many common garden plants are poisonous when pets eat them, including azaleas, oleander, rhododendrons, daffodils and even buttercups. Be sure to look into all aspects of a plant before planting them in your garden.
Antifreeze, battery acid and paint remover are three common and particularly poisonous substances that seem to smell appetizing to pets. Store all three in tight containers out of your pet's reach and be sure to do a thorough cleanup after you finish working with any of them. Antifreeze puddles on driveways or in garages cause the deaths of numerous pets annually.
Keep tackle boxes closed and latched. Bright lures, hooks and fishing line can attract cats as well as fish.
Don't allow pet birds in the kitchen. Heat, open containers of hot water (on the stove or sink) and smoke can all be health threats.
Cover all glass, especially mirrors, if your bird is permitted outside it's cage. Birds sometimes assume windows and mirrors are open spaces and fly into them.
Don't spray fishbowls or aquariums, even on the outside, with glass cleaner that contains ammonium. Vapors can rise and settle back into the bowl or tank, poisoning your fish. Instead, spray the clean on a cloth well away from the water, and then wipe the glass clean.
Don't put tap water directly into your aquarium or fishbowl. The chlorine in it can be deadly to fish. Purchase dechlorinating pellets or allow water to sit overnight before adding it to your fish tank. Also, beware of water that's artificially softened. Its salt content may be exceptionally high.
Take care when using a household spray or insecticide. Remove birds from the room and cover your aquarium with plastic or some other nonpermeable material until all the spray has settled.

If you have a litter of puppies, place the same number of cloth strips as you have puppies in the bed with their mother. Then send a cloth strip with each puppy to it's new home. The puppy will feel more secure with the scent of it's mother nearby.

To give your dog a fresh smell and a cleaner coat, try sprinkling it with baby powder. Rub the powder into the pet's coat, wait a few minutes and brush it out.

Doggy Treats

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup multigrain oatmeal or quick cooking oats, uncooked

1/4 cup honey-crunch wheat germ

1/4 cup chunky or smooth peanut butter

1/4 cup salad oil

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp baking powder

About three hours before serving, in a large mixer bowl at low speed, mix 1 cup flour with remaining ingredients and 1/2 cup water until well blended. With spoon, stir in remaining 1/2 cup flour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With floured hands, on well-floured surface, knead dough until dough holds together. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick. With a 5" by 2 1/2" bone shaped cookie cutter (or any cookie cutter for that matter) cut out as many bones as possible. Reroll scraps and cut as above. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake on large ungreased cookie sheet for 20 minutes; turn oven off. Let cookie sheet remain in oven 1 hour. Remove bone from cookie sheet to wire rack When cool, store in airtight container or freeze if not using right away. Makes about 20 dog bones.

Protecting Pets from Poison

There are some of those that are under the impression that animals know instinctively to avoid poisons. This is false. They don't, no more than a small child. It is up to us to ensure their safety.

Plants: Many common plants, including houseplants, can be deadly. For example, Philodendron is extremely dangerous to cats. Crocus, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs are poisonous as are tomato plants and the berries of mistletoe.

Some of the symptoms of poisoning are:

Cats will immediately lose interest in their food

Both cats and dogs may become lethargic

They may drool an unnatural amount

Have trouble walking

Ultimately they will go into convulsions

Depression, unaccountable excitability, diarrhea and shock are also symptoms.

You can tell an animal is going into shock by pressing the animal's gum with your finger. The pink will turn grayish white; when more than a coup of seconds pass before normal color returns, it usually means the onset of shock. An animal in shock will have a weak, rapid pulse and dilated pupils. Under these conditions, do not give anything by mouth. Start artificial respiration if necessary, keep the victim warm and rush him to the veterinarian. Below is a list of common poisons and the first-aid steps to take until professional help is available. Let's hope you never need to use it.

Corrosive acid: Do no induce vomiting. Give milk or water to dilute poison, even if you must force it on the pet. Give orally baking soda, milk of magnesia or some other mild alkaline substance. Finish the treatment by getting as much edible oil (salad oil, olive oil) and/or egg white into the animal as you can. (at least one ounce of oil per 20 pounds of body weight).

Corrosive Alkali: Do not induce vomiting. Give water or milk to dilute poison. Give a mild acid--Vinegar, lemon, lime or even orange juice. As above, finish the treatment with edible oil or egg whites.

Fungicides, herbicides, Insecticides, Most Household Cleaning Agents, Medicines, Lead, Moth balls, Rodenticides, Turpentine, Poisonous Plants and when in doubt as long as you're sure it wasn't a petroleum product, or an acid or an alkali of corrosive strength: Dilute with milk or water. Induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide, ipecac syrup or table salt (use salt for adult animals only). Read the labels, if available and use the recommended antidotes.

Holiday Safety for Pets

Curious pets are inclined to eat everything in sight-even if it's as indigestible as a tree ornament. Your pet could get sick or die from swallowing:

Sharp objects: Toothpicks, ornament hooks and bottle caps are just as harmful as chicken bones. And when the toothpick is meatball flavored or hook is attached to a candy cane, it's hard for your pet to resist.

Large objects: Corks, small toys, tree decorations and fruit pits may be small enough for your pet to swallow, but too big to digest.

Stringy objects: The normal twisting of the gut causes long, thin objects to stuck in an animal's intestine. In addition to such year-round hazards as foil, plastic wrap and dental floss, watch out for tinsel, ribbon, yarn and string used for popcorn or cranberry garlands. A mere 4 inches can be life threatening to your pet.

Food and Plant hazards: Poinsettia and Jerusalem cherry plants are poisonous to animals. And chocolate Santas can dehydrate your dog and make him vomit. Hook edible ornaments high on your tree and skip the toothpicks (USE PRETZEL STICKS INSTEAD) on the hors d'oeuvres unless you're sure you can keep Rover out of harm's way. If your pet does eat one of the above, call your vet immediately.

Rinse alcohol from drink glasses. If ingested, alcohol can make dogs, cats and birds violently ill.

Keep birds away from avocados; the coating on the pit is toxic to some species.

Keep chocolate away from dogs and birds. Even a small amount can be toxic.

Secure garage bags tightly to keep leftover bones, meat and roasting twine out of reach.

Traveling with Pets

If you want to take your pet on a car trip, first take it for short rides; increase the time on each subsequent trip so it gets used to the car.

If your pet is traveling in a carrier, put some of its favorite toys inside to make it feel more secure. Or line the traveling container with an old sweater of yours-- the familiar smell will comfort the animal.

Don't feed your pet for six hours before a car trip. If it has a tendency to car sickness, try to avoid giving even water for two hours before you leave home.

When you travel with you pet in a car, bring along a plastic freezer container of frozen water. As you travel, the water will thaw and your pet will have a fresh, cool drink ready.

If possible, carry water from home for your pet. The different mineral content of water in a new location could give it diarrhea.

When traveling with a dog, make sure it's on a leash before you get out of the care at your destination. Otherwise, it may get overexcited and jump out of the car and, possibly, get hit by another vehicle.

If you're traveling with a cat, keep the carrier firmly closed and don't release the cat until you get indoors. If the cat panics and jumps out of the car in a strange place, you'll have little chance of finding it again.

Before traveling with a pet, let the animal get used to the pet carrier. Leave the carrier out where the animal can smell it, explore it and sleep in it.

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