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Don’t Buy Live Animals For Easter Baskets

By on April 5, 2012 in holidays, Misc., Pet Videos
The Humane Society is urging people not to buy animals for Easter.  It is an unfortunate yet common occurrence where people are including pets associated with Easter, such as chicks and rabbits, in Easter baskets.  Every year there is a surge of unwanted Easter pets that are given to shelters following the holiday, many of which are euthanized due to lack of available homes. Sometimes it was an impulsive purchase where the novelty wears off, other times the family did not accurately asses the costs associated with adding another member to their family.
Like any pet, there is much responsibility that comes along with ownership.  Large specialized cages are necessary since both chicks and bunnies require ample exercise areas, not to mention lots of attention, vaccinations and veterinary care.  Many underestimate the amount of work and care associated with owning these pets.  For instance, rabbits can live for well over 10 years and can be just as much work as owning a dog or a cat.  Another factor to consider is that selling chicks and owning chickens as pets is actually illegal in many states.

Instead, if you must have an animal for that Easter basket, the Humane Society is urging people to purchase plush toy animals or animal shaped chocolate instead. And if you are looking for a pet, it’s best to do a little research first to learn about the associated costs and responsibilities and to think through lifestyle issues to ensure that you get the right pet match for you and your family. And we recommend checking out your local shelter where many a fine pet is just waiting to find a good home!
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Hazards of Easter

By on March 20, 2012 in holidays, Pet Safety

While we’re still a few weeks out from Easter, some people are already buying plants and putting out decorations, so we think it’s timely to remind you of some of the seasonal pet hazards associated with this holiday.

Easter seems as if it would be low on the danger list, since there are no fireworks or scary trick or treaters. Unfortunately, some traditional human Easter treats and traditions are not so good for pets. Be cautious with your Easter celebrations and all will be fine for you and your furry friends.

The most common and serious threat to pets are Easter lilies, which are extremely toxic to cats. Exposure can be fatal, so absolutely don’t bring them in the house if you have cats. This is a very real risk and all parts of the lily are poisonous. A leaf, a petal, pollen and even the water in which the lilies might be soaking can poison a cat. If someone gives you one, take it to work or give it to a catless friend. Easter lilies are not toxic for dogs, so feel free to regift them to your dog loving coworkers and neighbors. If you suspect that your cat has licked or nibbled on an Easter lily, or if your cat is showing symptoms such as vomiting or unusual lethargy, call your veterinarian immediately. An untreated cat can die within 36 hours of exposure.

Most people know that chocolate can be toxic to dogs but it bears repeating. Dogs, unfortunately, have never gotten this memo and still salivate for it, so make sure that kids’ Easter baskets full of tempting and possibly fatal treats are hidden far away from dogs’ reach. Unlike Easter lilies and cats, however, all chocolate is not immediately fatal for all dogs. A simple rule to remember is that the darker the chocolate, the greater the threat and the larger the dog, the less the danger. A small dog who has eaten any amount of dark gourmet chocolate should be taken to the vet immediately. On the other hand, a larger dog who has scarfed down a couple of milk chocolate eggs will probably be fine, although call your vet just in case.

Easter “grass” in kids’ baskets is a real problem for both dogs and cats. The long strands of plastic can tangle up in pets’ stomachs and cause issues that can result in costly surgery or even death. Consider using tissue paper, paper grass or any creative alternative instead of the more common plastic kind. You can even make your own paper “grass” with green construction paper and a shredder.

In addition to these threats, you might also consult with the ASPCA’s list of Top Ten Pet Toxins for 2011. It’s a handy reference for all seasons.

And let’s not forget humans in our litany of Easter dangers. Hard boiled eggs should only be left at room temperature for a maximum of two hours, so plan your Easter egg hunts accordingly and have a happy Easter!

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Pet Safety on Valentine’s Day

By on February 14, 2012 in holidays, Pet Safety

The American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has compiled this handy Guide to a Pet Friendly Valentine’s Day. Poison control experts see a spike in pet incidents around the Valentine’s Day, so it is important to watch out for your pets. Here is a quick rundown of their list with some of our comments, but be sure to check out their full article:

Pet Safe Bouquets
Flower arrangements can be poisonous to animals. All species of lily are potentially fatal to cats, causing severe kidney damage. Refer to ASPCA’s guide to Poisonous Plants to make sure there are no dangerous plants in your flower bouquet. Other types of flora can cause symptoms in your pets, so also refer to the guide of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. The compendium is complete with pictures to help you identify and remove the offending plants from your bouquets. And not all floral dangers come from poisons. Roses contain sharp thorns that your pet might want to bite or chew on, but if accidentally swallowed they can cause infection. Instead of eliminating roses you can always opt to de-thorn the stems, just make sure to do it away from your animals.

Forbidden Chocolate
Although most pet owner’s are already aware of the dangers of chocolate to pets, it’s important to be extra aware of it this time of year when there is an abundance of chocolate might be lying around. Chocolate can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, an abnormally elevated heart rate, and can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. See our past post for a cool chocolate interactive tool from National Geographic that allows you to see exactly “how much” of “what kind” of chocolate can have what sort of effect.

Other sweets can be dangerous too. Many candies contain a substance known as xylitol which can cause pets to suffer depression, loss of coordination and seizures, so make sure to keep these out of reach of your pets.

Careful with Cocktails
Since most domesticated pets are smaller than humans it is important to be extra careful not to spill any wine or other alcoholic drinks while celebrating the holiday. Ingestion of alcohol by animals can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances, respiratory failure, and coma.

Playing with Fire
If you plan on celebrating the evening to candle light, be aware that cat and dogs can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over candles, so be sure not to leave any unattended.

Wrap it Up
While exchange gifts is common on Valentine’s Day, the left over tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons will instantly attract the attention of your pets, but might get lodged in their throat or digestive track, causing the cat to choke or vomit.

The Pet Poison Helpline also has some Valentine’s Day Safety Tips for Pets. Hopefully, you’ll take precautions and won’t need it – but keep this number handy just in case: Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680

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Seasonal silliness

By on December 15, 2011 in Cats, Cute!, Dogs, Friday Fun, holidays, Pet Videos

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Pet poisons abound over the holidays

By on December 13, 2011 in Birds, Cats, Dogs, holidays, Pet Safety

Holiday moochers

The Pet Poison Helpline reminds us that the holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about a potentially poisoned pet. They offer a list of holiday-related decorations, plants and food items that the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline recommend keeping away from pets. See: Winter Holiday Pet Poison Tips

For more tips on preventing accidental exposure to poisonous substances, see:

Top 10 Pet Toxin lists – separate lists for dogs & cats

Toxic Food Guide for Pets

Holiday Plants Toxic to Pet Birds

Holiday Safety Tips from the ASPCA

If you have a problem, be sure to keep this number to the Pet Poison Helpline handy: 800-213-6680

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Is it too early for our awkward Christmas gift?

By on November 4, 2011 in Friday Fun, holidays, People & Pets

 

Well, we just spotted our favorite silly holiday gift of the year: Awkward Family Pet Photos, the book. The book comes after the site, and according to the article, “Childhood friends Mike Bender and Doug Chernack launched Awkward Family Photos after Mike noticed an awkward vacation photo hung in his parents’ house. They figured there were probably plenty of other people out there with their own awkward family images, and the two friends decided to create a friendly place where everyone could come together and share their uncomfortable family moments. Now their site receives millions of hits and they’ve released two books: Awkward Family Photos and Awkward Family Pet Photos.”

The SFGate article includes a photo gallery, plus you can also view photos here. The Awkward Family Pet Photos website is here.

awkwardfamilypetphotos1

Of course, do keep in mind that we aren’t laughing at ourselves, we’re laughing with ourselves, because dog knows we have some truly goofy family pet photos of our own in the ol’ awkward family album.

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What doo doggies doo on Halloween?

By on October 28, 2011 in Cute!, Dog Training, Dogs, Friday Fun, holidays, Pet Videos

A word to the wise: be careful how you treat — or don’t treat — canny costumed canines craving candy this Halloween; watch and learn:

2009…

2010…

Hmmm. What will this intrepid duo doo this year, I wonder? You can view more videos of Splash, Kiko and pals, including many helpful clicker training exercises, on the Kikopup YouTube channel… and we’ll be checking back to see what sort of spooky shenanigans they pull this year.

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Top tips for making Trick-or-Treat more Treaty, less “Tricky”

By on October 19, 2011 in Dogs, holidays, Pet Safety, Uncategorized

PHOTO CREDIT

It’s that time of the year to remind all pet-lovers to take five minutes of planning to keep your little furgoblins safe this Halloween. Our top three quick tips are:

  • Beware chocolate, and also Xylitol-sweetened treats! These can be lethal for cats and dogs!
  • Check your pets’ ID tags and collars. Is everything up to date and in good order? We take precautions during the holidays, but if our beloved pet somehow dashes off, we want to be sure they’re safely tagged!
  • Make sure you have this number handy: 800-213-5580; this is the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline.

The Helpline charges a $35 per incident fee, payable by credit card. Of course chocolate and Xylitol aren’t the only treats that can be harmful to pets. Raisins and grapes are other top dangerous offenders, and most human Halloween treats just aren’t good for your pet even when not life-threatening, plus wrappers and other packaging can lead pets to ingest them and suffer intestinal blockages. So, when it comes to treats and sweets:

  • Keep all Halloween candy far away from your pets. If you are stocking up to distribute to trick-or-treaters, put the candy in drawers or cupboards that your clever pet can’t access. Once you bring the treats out, store in a lidded container, preferably in a spot your pet can’t get to.
  • If you take your dog out trick-or-treating, be sure to keep him/her leashed. Even a well-behaved dog who doesn’t normally need a leash may dash away in the excitement, plus it’s easier to keep a leashed dog from snatching dropped candy from the streets or yards.
  • Buy or make healthy treats especially for your pet. This will help reduce everyone’s temptation to just “share a bit” of the house candy.

Once you’ve squared away the treats, it’s time to take off your witch’s/wizard’s hat, and put on your pet psychiatrist hat to address a few more issues:

  • Costumes Do or Don’t? Lots of people enjoy dressing up their pets… but do their pets enjoy it? Some pets are game for anything, and some absolutely adore the spotlight and all the attention they can get. Some are so laid back that they calmly put up with all our human shenanigans. But if your pet is shy, nervous, uncomfortable with the outfit, or anxious with change or unusual activity, it’s kinder not to costume.
  • If you do try costuming your pet, make an early trial run to see how they respond and give them a chance to become familiar with the new thing. Beware of any dangerous bits that they might chew, bite or swallow, and be sure their vision and movement aren’t hampered.
  • Stranger Danger? If your pet is nervous around new people, crowds, or excess activity, keeping them separate from the front door and other active hot spots is the best idea. Put up a baby gate, or set them in a different room or protected area if there is any chance at all they might dart out the open front door, or become aggressive with “intruders.”

In addition to being aware of the possible dangers of toxic treats, unwelcome or dangerous costumes, scary strangers, and open doors, be sure, too, that your decorations are all safe from inquisitive Fluffies and Fidos — especially if they’re chewers or gobblers! And be sure to be very careful about securing candles or any open flame and any electrical wires. And have a very happy and pet healthy Halloween!

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Holiday pet safety

By on December 20, 2010 in Cats, Dogs, holidays, Pet Safety, Pet Videos

The holidays can be a fun time with your pets, but don’t forget that their safety comes first and foremost. Here are a few seasonal tips from the experts and a few amusing seasonal pet clips.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Think of pet safety when decorating Christmas tree

Winterizing your pets: Cold weather checklist

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Pets preparing for the holidays

By on December 22, 2009 in Cats, Cute!, Dogs, holidays

Tree decorating 101
Your instructors, Iris and Fern will demonstrate how to assemble and decorate a holiday tree.

Tree Decorating

A doggy surprise

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