There has been much focus and deservedly so on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. But there are other communities that are being impacted by weather with hurricanes, tornados, wildfires and floods. Most recently the flooding in Nashville, Tennessee. Countless animals have been displaced being found wandering the streets, and in desperate need of homes. A spate of urgent requests for pet adoptions have been the end result.

To lessen the trauma of losing a pet and likelihood of pets seeking new homes BEFORE a DISASTER:

• Prepare. Get a pet emergency supply kit, including food, water, medicines and medical records, first aid kit, collar with ID tag, leash or harness, crate or pet carrier and sanitation items.
• Microchip: Make sure your pet is micro-chipped so that it may be easily identified. Keep registration up to date, and include emergency number of friend or relative that does not live in the immediate area.
• Plan: What will you do in an emergency? Create a plan to get away and develop a buddy system.
• Stay informed: Know about the types of emergencies.

DURING a DISASTER:

• Make sure your pet is inside well before storm begins. And do not leave a pet chained outside.
• Keep pet by your side to reassure them.
• Never tranquilize a pet. It will be inhibited from using it’s natural survival instincts.
• If you are instructed to evacuate do not leave pets behind.
• Have pet emergency kit ready to take with you.

AFTER a DISASTER:

• Re-orient dog to home by walking it on a leash. For both cats and dogs familiar scents may no longer exist.
• Be aware of downed power lines, debris and reptiles.
• Contact your local animal control office if a pet is missing to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring a recent picture of your pet, tattoo number or microchip number.
• Do not let your pet eat food or drink water that might have been contaminated.
• Pet behavior might change after the trauma of a disaster. Report any changes in behavior to your veterinarian.

DISASTER AFTERMATH:

• After a natural disaster, displaced people and companion animals face many dangers. There are many hazardous, life-threatening situations for helpless strays and displaced pets.
• Disorientation, panic and stress, and leads dogs and cats seeking refuge into hazardous situations when there are no longer familiar landmarks or scents.
• Floodwaters contaminated with waste and bacteria can cause intestinal parasites and gastroenteritis.
• Animals trying to swim in floodwaters can quickly become exhausted and drown.
• Displaced dogs and cats are frightened, lost, thirsty and very hungry and do not understand that they should steer clear of standing water and any food they may find.

Some of you folks might remember the good fortune of this dog being rescued from river earlier in the year. He was certainly fortunate but there are so many animals around the country struggling to survive after being displaced from their families. Please do take preventative measures and plan in advance for not only your safety and well being but your pets as well.

Resources:

Animal disaster plans and resources by state

American Kennel Club

ASPCA

FEMA for Kids

Humane Society

Red Cross

I got my haircut this past Friday at my local hair salon, Radiance Aveda. And was watching video, “How to Make a Hair Boom” from Matter of Trust, the environmental charity making headlines. Low and behold at 36 seconds into the clip I notice that Radiance Aveda is one of the salons donating hair clippings….WOW….YEAH!

Matter of Trust collects hair and fur from salons and pet groomers to create hair stuffed containment booms with recycled pantyhose, which are then sent to areas that suffer from oil spills.  Most recent of course in the Gulf of Mexico. These booms are laid out on beaches and are magnets for the oil.

Facts & Figures

• Since April 20th 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) daily is escaping from the BP rig in the Gulf of Mexico.
• On average there are 2600 million oil spills annually.
• On average 726 million gallons of oil are spilled annually.
• 363 million gallons of motor oil are washed into ocean annually.
• 1 Quart of oil can contaminate 1 Million gallons of drinking water.

(My town was one of communities in Boston area a couple of weekends ago that did not have ready access to drinking water due to pipe bursting. A minor inconvenience for a couple of days. But what a wake up call with respect to not having access to clean, drinkable water long term.)

How you can help:

• Any type of clean human hair can be sent.
• Fur, horse hair, wool waste and feather is acceptable.
• Fur or hair with garbage; metal or paper is unacceptable.
• Wash nylon stocking even if it has runs.
• Put in separate plastic garbage bag inside separate box labeled debris-free hair/fur or nylons.
• Shipping details can be found at Matter of Trust.

Matter of Trust can be found on Twitter (http://twitter.com/MatterOfTrust), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matter-of-Trust/) and Excess Access (http://excessaccess.com/).

Gone are the days of yore when the family pooch was licking its chops anxiously awaiting the bone from that ham or roast.   The FDA has determined that it is dangerous and can cause serious injury.

“Bones are unsafe no matter what their size. Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian’s office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death,” says Carmela Stamper, D.V.M., a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration.

It is also important to make sure your pooch cannot easily sniff out those leftover bones.  With that keen sense of smell he can break into the trash barrel unless it is tightly secured or sniff out something on the grass when you are out for a walk.

Here are 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea to give your dog a bone:

1. Broken teeth. This may call for expensive veterinary dentistry.
2. Mouth or tongue injuries. These can be very bloody and messy and may require a trip to see your veterinarian.
3. Bone gets looped around your dog’s lower jaw. This can be frightening or painful for your dog and potentially costly to you, as it usually means a trip to see your veterinarian.
4. Bone gets stuck in esophagus, the tube that food travels through to reach the stomach. Your dog may gag, trying to bring the bone back up, and will need to see your veterinarian.
5. Bone gets stuck in windpipe. This may happen if your dog accidentally inhales a small enough piece of bone. This is an emergency because your dog will have trouble breathing. Get your pet to your veterinarian immediately!
6. Bone gets stuck in stomach. It went down just fine, but the bone may be too big to pass out of the stomach and into the intestines. Depending on the bone’s size, your dog may need surgery or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a procedure in which your veterinarian uses a long tube with a built-in camera and grabbing tools to try to remove the stuck bone from the stomach.
7. Bone gets stuck in intestines and causes a blockage. It may be time for surgery.
8. Constipation due to bone fragments. Your dog may have a hard time passing the bone fragments because they’re very sharp and they scrape the inside of the large intestine or rectum as they move along. This causes severe pain and may require a visit to your veterinarian.
9. Severe bleeding from the rectum. This is very messy and can be dangerous. It’s time for a trip to see your veterinarian.
10. Peritonitis. This nasty, difficult-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen is caused when bone fragments poke holes in your dog’s stomach or intestines. Your dog needs an emergency visit to your veterinarian because peritonitis can kill your dog.

With the availability of healthier pet foods primarily due to tainted food a couple of years ago The Whole Dog Journal might be good place to start for alternative treats.

Source:

FDA Consumer Health Information

Just in time for Earth Day there was a press release today announcing the revolt of felines everywhere to clay litter. The revolt is being organized by a “stealth Feline Rights organization, Cats Against Clay (C.A.C.)”. Reasons cited for disdain of clay litter: “Doesn’t Taste Good, Has Harsh Chemicals, Is Dusty On Our Fur and Is Unnecessary Because Of A Better Alternative.” That sodium bentonite is pretty nasty stuff. It’s not a renewable resource and which, if ingested, can cause respiratory and digestive problems for cats…YUCK!

I must say though that I was introduced to this “stealth organization” a few weeks ago by one of the hippest cats, Romeo the Cat.  And am a proud member. Think my kittie, Miss Mia is proud of me too. So check with Romeo for the “scoop”…and find out how you too can become involved.

Earth Day Tips: Pets Go Green

]]> http://moxiepaws.com/2010/04/cat-i-mean-litters-out-of-the-bag/feed/ 0 http://moxiepaws.com/2010/04/pet-travel-safety-experts-top-dogs/ http://moxiepaws.com/2010/04/pet-travel-safety-experts-top-dogs/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:38:06 +0000 MoxiePaws http://moxiepaws.com/?p=455

Source: Image

The 2010 winners in pet travel and safety were announced today at the New York International Auto Show. Bark Buckle Up and its founder, “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter presented the awards for Vehicle of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Hotel of the Year and Airline of the Year.

“Most people don’t think about it, but in only a 35 mph accident with a 60-pound pet it becomes a 2,700-pound projectile. This will injure the pet, passengers, driver or the pet may escape the vehicle and cause a second accident or become agitated and bite the first responder that is on scene doing their job,” stated Selter.

Winner for “Vehicle of the Year” went to the Ford Edge.  Criteria to determine winner were based on:

1. How easily the vehicle accommodates animals and kennels of various sizes.
2. Ease of access to pet from within the vehicle.
3. Ease of pet entry and exit.
4. Ventilation for animals in the rear.
5. Whether the vehicle has pet-friendly surfaces, adaptability for third party pet travel or safety gear.

Four out of the five top ten honors for 2010 Pet Safe Vehicles of Choice List went to Ford including the Ford Transit Connect, Edge and Flex and the Lincoln MKT.

2010 Pet Safe Retailer, Hotel and Airline

• BassPro Shops
• Sheraton Hotels
• Southwest Airlines

Statistics

• 35 mph accident with a 60-pound pet unrestrained becomes a 2,700-pound projectile
• 98% of dogs do not travel properly restrained in a moving vehicle
• Driver distraction causes more accidents than any other issue
• 82% of pets travel in the car and on vacation with their owners
• Pet friendly lodging has increased 300% since 2005
• Over 70 million homes in America have a pet

Source: Image

The EPA concluded webcast late yesterday regarding its evaluation of  spot-on flea and tick control products for cats and dogs. They found that incidents had increased 53% between 2007 & 2008. As a result review of labeling will be a priority to ensure “stronger and clearer labeling statements”.  Strict testing and evaluation of existing and new products will be enforced. These measures will be taken as preventative steps from adverse reactions.

Is is important for pet owners to read labeling on products carefully.  Use caution when applying product and be aware of any adverse reactions: irritation & scratching, vomiting & diarrhea, tremor, depression & seizure, tearing & redness, & cough. Make sure that cats are not exposed to dog products. The EPA will be requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products. That weight range and age of animal is appropriate for use of product.

There will be a “consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors”.

1. Do contact product manufacturer if there is a reaction
2. Contact the EPA: Pesticides
3. Tell your veterinarian
4. Tell the National Pesticide Information Center: Call 1-800-858-7378 to report an incident

“Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting pets and public health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease to animals and humans”.  But it was determined that smaller dogs were most affected and cats were exposed to some dog products.  And consult with your veterinarian to find best remedy for your pet, especially “on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products”.

Source: EPA

The USEPA conducted an in depth evaluation of spot-on incidents and products. And as a result is hosting a public webcast this Wednesday, March 17th, 2010. They will present a summary of their findings regarding these spot-on products and ongoing awareness of protecting pets.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Two-hour audio Web broadcast

This coming week is National Poison Prevention Week.  It is an important reminder for pet owners to survey their homes to establish and maintain a poison-safe pet environment.

The ASPCA found that last year in 2009 the top ten pet poisons were:

1. Human Medications
2. Insecticides
3. People Food
4. Plants
5. Veterinary Medications
6. Rodenticides
7. Household Cleaners
8. Heavy Metals
9. Garden Products
10. Chemical Hazards

The following are 5 Preventative measures and reminders:

1. Schedule regular/annual visits to veterinarian
2. Keep a Pet Safety Kit: can of soft pet food – turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe – saline eye solution for flushing out eye contaminants and artificial tear gel for lubricating eyes – mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid and rubber gloves for bathing – forceps to remove stingers – muzzle to keep animal from hurting you while he is excited or in pain – pet carrier for trips to your local vet
3. Don’t Panic
4. Contact emergency hotlines:

Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Help Hotline (800) 213-6680

5.  If your pet is seizuring, unconscious or losing consciousness, or having             difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Resources: AAHA, ASPCA, Humane Society, Pet Poison Helpline

It’s important to remember the safety and well-being of our pets during extreme drops in temperature. My cat, (Miss) Mia, “The Princess” has been non too pleased with the weather as of late. The combination over the past few weeks of freezing temps, rain, sleet and snow have gotten her in a twirl. But then there are my pooch pals who just love romping in the snow.

Whether you have a canine or a feline please consider the following:

1. Hazards of fur

Our furry friends are not insulated from extreme temps.  Toes, noses and ears are susceptible.  Short haired pets in particular are most vulnerable.  In door spaces need to be warm, dry and draft free with plenty of food and water.

2. Dressing for weather

Coats for cats during winter should be avoided.  Cats of course usually wont allow such an embarrassment.  That includes my Princess, Miss Mia.

Dogs should be monitored if wearing any apparel.  If their clothes get wet there is risk of frostbite, or suffocation while trying to wrangle out of wet clothing.

Puppies pads can quickly freeze after a short time. Salt strewn roads can irritate pooches paws by burning them.  If you want booties for protection try baby socks first.  And make sure dog boots are not too tight to prevent cutting off circulation resulting in frostbite.

3. Young’uns & Seniors

Kittens, puppies and older dogs and cats should be kept indoors.  They all lack the fat, metabolism, or the full fur coat they need to stay warm when temperatures plunge.

3. Cats and the cold weather

Miss Mia has been stir crazy as with other cats used to the great outdoors.  They require stimulation to include regular play, cat toys, trees and catwalks.

4. Outdoor only cats

When nighttime temps are below 40 degrees cats should be indoors. Although of course there are abandoned and feral cats.

#1 Some times cats will seek shelter under a car or in engine compartment as was recently reported.

#2 Anti-freeze is highly toxic and deadly

• As with a child make sure your anti-freeze containers are securely closed and out of sniffing distance.
• Is your car leaking anti-freeze?

#3 The days are fortunately getting longer but until Spring pooches should wear reflective collars and/or leashes.

#4 If your pet has eaten something toxic or harmful contact Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your vet immediately.

For canine friends who spend much time outdoors: Care is like that of outdoor-only cats.

• warm, dry, draft-free, covered shelter
• check to make sure bedding in shelter is dry
• keep water fresh & unfrozen
• adequate food is available

In extreme weather your pet should be brought inside.

Potty breaks with deep snow and extreme temperature drops

• Shovel a small area where the snow is not too deep
• Purchase pet booties which also keep house cleaner
• Wait by the door
• Indoor options: pet pee pads, indoor pee patches, litter box training for smaller dogs

Be Aware of Signs for Hypothermia and Frostbite

• violent shivering, followed by listlessness
• weak pulse
• lethargy
• muscle stiffness
• problems breathing
• lack of appetite
• rectal temperature below 98°F
• coma
• cardiac arrest

Hypothermia Treatment

Wrap your pet in a warm blanket or coat

• Bring your pet into a warm room.
• Mix four teaspoons honey or sugar dissolved in warm water to drink.
• Place warm, towel-wrapped water bottles against your pet’s abdomen or at her armpits and chest, then wrap her in a blanket.
• Call your veterinarian immediately.

Hypothermia can be avoided by maintaining a warm and dry shelter for pets when they are outside.

Frostbite Signs in Dogs and Cats

Frostbite occurs when a part of your pet’s body freezes.

Watch for:

• pale, gray, or blue skin at first
• red, puffy skin later
• pain in ears, tail, or paws when touched
• skin that stays cold
• shriveled skin

Frostbite Treatment

• Apply warm (not hot) water for at least 20 minutes to the frostbitten area; no hairdryers, heating pads, or electric blankets
• Handle the affected areas very carefully; don’t rub or massage them as you could cause permanent damage.
• Call your vet immediately.

Remembering these tips will help maintain health and well being of your pet during the winter months.

Sources: http://pets.webmd.com

http://www.aspca.org/

My cat, “The Princess”, (Miss) Mia just waltzed inside after the cannon went off signaling sundown.  This reminded me of course of preparation for the upcoming fireworks on Saturday, for the 4th of July celebration.  I have commiserated with a few other pet owners of what a miserable time it is for our beloved pets.  It is most important to plan ahead for your pet’s safety so both you and they can have a stress free Holiday.

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Source: Humane Society of the United States