Each year millions of people in the United States, most of them are children,
are bitten by animals. Most animal bites are from dogs; cats are the second most
bites reported. However, the risk of infection from a cat bite is much higher than that
from a dog bite. Most bites occur on the fingers and hands, but children may also be bitten
around the head, face and neck area.
The major concern we have from animal bites is the possibility of rabies. Because most pets
in the U.S. are vaccinated, most cases of rabies are the result of bites from wild animals such as
a skunk, bat or raccoon. No matter what animal that bite comes from, if it is not your own pet,
you should call your local animal control and the police department.
Rabies is a disease that affects only mammals ( such as, raccoons, bats, dogs, horses and humans).
It is causes by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. With out treatment is is 100 percent
fatal. If detected early there is a series of highly effective vaccinations that can be given. That is why
it is extremely important for you to notify the proper authorities if anyone has been bitten. Play it safe
and let a medical doctor examine any bite area.
Try following some of these suggestions to prevent animal bites.
* Do not try to separate fighting animals.
* Avoid animals that appear sick or act strange. Call animal control.
* Leave animals, even pets you know, alone while they are eating or sleeping.
* Keep pets on a leash when out in public.
* Never leave a young child alone with any animal. Don't allow children to tease
animals, wave sticks at them, throw anything at them or pull their tail.
* Be sure your pet is Vaccinated. If unsure, please visit your vet.
* Do not approach or play with any kind of wild animal.
* Tech children not to pet any strange or unknown animal with out first asking
permission of the pets owner.
Summer is the time that many children and animals are outside enjoying play.
Education of our children and yes even us adults is the key to preventing the dangers
that come with a animal bite. Rabies is not our only concern. Infections are actually a
higher risk, again due to most pets having rabies shots. If you are bitten you will need to
watch for signs of infection as your doctor will advise you when you seek treatment.
Signs of infection are, warmth around the wound, swelling, pain, a pus discharge and or
redness around the bite marks. If you are bitten clean the area with soap and water. Use
an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. And seek your doctors attention as soon
as possible.
Showing posts with label Pet Dangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pet Dangers. Show all posts
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Hot Weather Tips for our Pets!
We are in the hottest part of summer with long hot days and even
our evenings aren't much cooler. Our pets can suffer from the same
problems that we do, overheating, dehydration and even sunburns.
Use a few simple precautions and you can prevent your pets from the
dangers of summer time.
1. Never leave your pet along in a vehicle. Even with the windows open
a parked car or truck can quickly become a furnace on a hot day. Over
heating can kill our pets, and parking in the shade offers very little protection
as the sun shifts during the day.
2. Always carry a gallon of cold water for each pet.
3. Don't force your pet to exercise after a meal in hot humid weather.
Let them exercise in the early morning or evening and keep walks to a
minimum.
4. Never leave your dog standing on hot asphalt. Their body can heat
up quickly and they have sensitive paw pads that will burn.
5. Provide plenty of shade and a well constructed dog house for
your pets that stay outside. BRING in your pets during the hottest
parts of the day, and make sure they have plenty of cool water.
6. Older and over weight pets need you to be extra careful with during
the hot months of summer. Pets with pug or snub noses and those with
heart problems need to be kept cool in air conditioned rooms.
7. Avoid walking your pets in area's that you suspect have been sprayed
with insecticides or chemicals. Be alert for coolants or other auto fluids leaking
from vehicles. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting even a small
amount can be fatal. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has
ingested poisons.
8. Keep pets well groomed to stave off summer skin problems, this also helps
the pet from over heating.
9. Make regular visits to your vet for check ups. Vets are our first line of
defence to keeping our pets healthy year around.
10. Make sure all windows in your home are properly screened to prevent
escape or falls.
11. Our pets are not able to sweat like we do. They cool themselves by panting
and sweating through their paws. If they have only warm to hot air to breath,
animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heat stroke.
Just 15 mins can be enough for an animals body temperature to climb
from normal to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular
systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk of
permanent impairment or even death.
By following these simple guidelines you can protect your pet from the
worst temps during summers hottest days. If unsure call and ask your
pet's vet, they are always happy to provide information for the safety
of their fur friends.
Information for this posting was gathered from around the Internet.
our evenings aren't much cooler. Our pets can suffer from the same
problems that we do, overheating, dehydration and even sunburns.
Use a few simple precautions and you can prevent your pets from the
dangers of summer time.
1. Never leave your pet along in a vehicle. Even with the windows open
a parked car or truck can quickly become a furnace on a hot day. Over
heating can kill our pets, and parking in the shade offers very little protection
as the sun shifts during the day.
2. Always carry a gallon of cold water for each pet.
3. Don't force your pet to exercise after a meal in hot humid weather.
Let them exercise in the early morning or evening and keep walks to a
minimum.
4. Never leave your dog standing on hot asphalt. Their body can heat
up quickly and they have sensitive paw pads that will burn.
5. Provide plenty of shade and a well constructed dog house for
your pets that stay outside. BRING in your pets during the hottest
parts of the day, and make sure they have plenty of cool water.
6. Older and over weight pets need you to be extra careful with during
the hot months of summer. Pets with pug or snub noses and those with
heart problems need to be kept cool in air conditioned rooms.
7. Avoid walking your pets in area's that you suspect have been sprayed
with insecticides or chemicals. Be alert for coolants or other auto fluids leaking
from vehicles. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting even a small
amount can be fatal. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has
ingested poisons.
8. Keep pets well groomed to stave off summer skin problems, this also helps
the pet from over heating.
9. Make regular visits to your vet for check ups. Vets are our first line of
defence to keeping our pets healthy year around.
10. Make sure all windows in your home are properly screened to prevent
escape or falls.
11. Our pets are not able to sweat like we do. They cool themselves by panting
and sweating through their paws. If they have only warm to hot air to breath,
animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heat stroke.
Just 15 mins can be enough for an animals body temperature to climb
from normal to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular
systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk of
permanent impairment or even death.
By following these simple guidelines you can protect your pet from the
worst temps during summers hottest days. If unsure call and ask your
pet's vet, they are always happy to provide information for the safety
of their fur friends.
Information for this posting was gathered from around the Internet.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Spring Allergies
It's that time of year, all the trees and flowers are blooming and spring is peeking out to greet us.
With all this beauty comes Allergies. If you suffer with any allergies then you know just had bad you can feel during this wonderful season. Have you ever thought about our pets having allergies? I know I hadn't. But indeed they can suffer just as we humans do to many of the same things that cause us to sneeze and be stuffed up.
For pets it can many times be worse than we suffer. Why? Because our pets are on the
floor and ground! We carry pollens, molds & Fungi in on our cloths and shoes. Walk
across the carpet and floors right where our pets live.
Grass, one of our pets favorite things, they love to run and play in it. Just watch a dog in the
spring! Old and young, spring brings out the playful side of our dogs and you will see many
of them out running and rolling around in that beautiful fresh new grass that's coming up.
But did you know that grass has pollens in it? There are over 9,000 different types of grass.
All carrying different pollens that can cause a pet to have allergies. The grass pollination period
extends from April to July in the northern hemisphere.
Grasses to watch out for are:
Bermuda Grass, this is a creeping low growing grass and is one of the most common allergy causing grasses. Other grasses that may cause problems are June/Blue grass, Brome grass, Meadow Fescue, Orchard/Cocksfoot grass, Redtop or Bentgrass, Sweet Vernal, Cultivated Wheat and Timothy grass.
Trees which can cause allergies:
Trees account for much of the worlds pollen and are the oldest living plants in the world. Pines, firs, cypresses, cedars and junipers all shed prodigious quanties of pollen.
Alder, Ash, Birch, Box Elder, Cottonwood/Poplar, Hazelnut, Hickory /Pecan, Maple, Mountain Cedar, Juniper, Oak, Pine, Sycamore, and Willow trees.
Weeds:
Yes Weeds are not only bothersome to us and are gardens, they can cause allergies for
both us and our pets. Here are some that are known to cause problems.
Cocklebur, Dandelion, English plantain, Kochia, Lambs Quarters, Marsh Elder, Mugwort,
Pigweed, ragweed, Sheep Sorrel, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush and Wormwood.
Molds, Fungi & Yeast:
Molds, fungi and yeast are of allergic significance year around. these life forms are simply
ubiquitous. While there are some seasonal variations and certain peak periods most molds
survive indoor and outdoors through the year. Mold spores easily and quickly establish new colonies making them virtually impossible to eradicate.
Many fungal spores are found in soil and plant debris and get picked up by your pet inadvertently. Molds reach peak concentrations following a rain shower. Spore dispersal typically increases during the afternoon hours.
Molds, fungi and yeast can exist on the fur and skin on your pet. Pets that lick their paws and scratch themselves provide a warm moist suitable environment for spore growth.
Other Allergens:
Dust Mites, live in house dust and thrive on high humidity. They have a life cycle of about 2 to 4 months. Upholstered furniture, mattresses and carpeting are natural habitats for mites. Mites feed on human and animal dander and are practically impossible to eliminate. Killing mites with pesticides merely results in dead mites which is also a potent allergenic source.
Flea hypersensitivity is due to a protein material in flea saliva, waste and eggs. Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals and are an important cause of skin disease. There are some 1,500 species of fleas and is by far the most common allergic skin decease in dogs and cats. A symptom of flea bite hypersensitivity is an itchy and crusted dermatitis in animals that are sensitive to them.
Other items your pet could show a allergy to are:
Human hair, wool, cotton, kapok ( which is used as stuffing for cushions and furniture),
Orris root (found in potpourri to sustain color and fragrance), Jute, Sisal and house dust.
A bit over whelming isn't it. We're not trying to scare you about your pet. But rather to make
you aware that if your pet shows symptoms of allergies these might be some of the reasons.
Ideas to reduce exposure for your pets:
Frequent washing with a hypoallergenic shampoo will remove most pollen and mold from your pets skin and fur. Although temporary it is something that is very important to do. Furthermore pets that aren't bathed regularly will carry around pollen and mold and shake it off everywhere they go.
Outdoors: On windy days and during peak pollination times keep your pet indoors.
Keep pets off wet grass and away from piles of leaves, grass cuttings and rubbish.
Keep pets from running in fields and indoors when mowing or raking leaves, or watering plants and lawns.
Indoors: Keep your pets bedding and surrounding area clean. Use a disinfectant when pet is not around on their bedding using hot water and drying completely. Keep pets away from basements, cellars, bathrooms, laundry rooms and the refrigerator. Keep indoor areas dry and use a dehumidifier or air conditioning. Keep your pet off carpets, beds and furniture. Avoid dusty cans or bags of pet food. Do not give your pet leftover human food from the refrigerator.
More information can be found at http://www.nelcovet.com/
With all this beauty comes Allergies. If you suffer with any allergies then you know just had bad you can feel during this wonderful season. Have you ever thought about our pets having allergies? I know I hadn't. But indeed they can suffer just as we humans do to many of the same things that cause us to sneeze and be stuffed up.
For pets it can many times be worse than we suffer. Why? Because our pets are on the
floor and ground! We carry pollens, molds & Fungi in on our cloths and shoes. Walk
across the carpet and floors right where our pets live.
Grass, one of our pets favorite things, they love to run and play in it. Just watch a dog in the
spring! Old and young, spring brings out the playful side of our dogs and you will see many
of them out running and rolling around in that beautiful fresh new grass that's coming up.
But did you know that grass has pollens in it? There are over 9,000 different types of grass.
All carrying different pollens that can cause a pet to have allergies. The grass pollination period
extends from April to July in the northern hemisphere.
Grasses to watch out for are:
Bermuda Grass, this is a creeping low growing grass and is one of the most common allergy causing grasses. Other grasses that may cause problems are June/Blue grass, Brome grass, Meadow Fescue, Orchard/Cocksfoot grass, Redtop or Bentgrass, Sweet Vernal, Cultivated Wheat and Timothy grass.
Trees which can cause allergies:
Trees account for much of the worlds pollen and are the oldest living plants in the world. Pines, firs, cypresses, cedars and junipers all shed prodigious quanties of pollen.
Alder, Ash, Birch, Box Elder, Cottonwood/Poplar, Hazelnut, Hickory /Pecan, Maple, Mountain Cedar, Juniper, Oak, Pine, Sycamore, and Willow trees.
Weeds:
Yes Weeds are not only bothersome to us and are gardens, they can cause allergies for
both us and our pets. Here are some that are known to cause problems.
Cocklebur, Dandelion, English plantain, Kochia, Lambs Quarters, Marsh Elder, Mugwort,
Pigweed, ragweed, Sheep Sorrel, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush and Wormwood.
Molds, Fungi & Yeast:
Molds, fungi and yeast are of allergic significance year around. these life forms are simply
ubiquitous. While there are some seasonal variations and certain peak periods most molds
survive indoor and outdoors through the year. Mold spores easily and quickly establish new colonies making them virtually impossible to eradicate.
Many fungal spores are found in soil and plant debris and get picked up by your pet inadvertently. Molds reach peak concentrations following a rain shower. Spore dispersal typically increases during the afternoon hours.
Molds, fungi and yeast can exist on the fur and skin on your pet. Pets that lick their paws and scratch themselves provide a warm moist suitable environment for spore growth.
Other Allergens:
Dust Mites, live in house dust and thrive on high humidity. They have a life cycle of about 2 to 4 months. Upholstered furniture, mattresses and carpeting are natural habitats for mites. Mites feed on human and animal dander and are practically impossible to eliminate. Killing mites with pesticides merely results in dead mites which is also a potent allergenic source.
Flea hypersensitivity is due to a protein material in flea saliva, waste and eggs. Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals and are an important cause of skin disease. There are some 1,500 species of fleas and is by far the most common allergic skin decease in dogs and cats. A symptom of flea bite hypersensitivity is an itchy and crusted dermatitis in animals that are sensitive to them.
Other items your pet could show a allergy to are:
Human hair, wool, cotton, kapok ( which is used as stuffing for cushions and furniture),
Orris root (found in potpourri to sustain color and fragrance), Jute, Sisal and house dust.
A bit over whelming isn't it. We're not trying to scare you about your pet. But rather to make
you aware that if your pet shows symptoms of allergies these might be some of the reasons.
Ideas to reduce exposure for your pets:
Frequent washing with a hypoallergenic shampoo will remove most pollen and mold from your pets skin and fur. Although temporary it is something that is very important to do. Furthermore pets that aren't bathed regularly will carry around pollen and mold and shake it off everywhere they go.
Outdoors: On windy days and during peak pollination times keep your pet indoors.
Keep pets off wet grass and away from piles of leaves, grass cuttings and rubbish.
Keep pets from running in fields and indoors when mowing or raking leaves, or watering plants and lawns.
Indoors: Keep your pets bedding and surrounding area clean. Use a disinfectant when pet is not around on their bedding using hot water and drying completely. Keep pets away from basements, cellars, bathrooms, laundry rooms and the refrigerator. Keep indoor areas dry and use a dehumidifier or air conditioning. Keep your pet off carpets, beds and furniture. Avoid dusty cans or bags of pet food. Do not give your pet leftover human food from the refrigerator.
More information can be found at http://www.nelcovet.com/
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Warning Cocoa Mulch
Cocoa mulch contains a chemical (theobromine) that can be harmful to pets!
Veterinarians have noted that cocoa mulch contains ingredients that could pose a health risk to dogs and other pets, that might be tempted to ingest it.
Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs said Dr. Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal hospital.
Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its fine
texture and the sweet smell of fresh mulch. But getting past the sent, Dr. Family
says cocoa mulch can be dangerous if a dog starts eating it. It contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Similar to eating chocolate, he says a dog
that eats just a few ounces of cocoa mulch could start having stomach problems and it could get worse if it eats more. As time goes on they might act restless, excited and it could produce
tremors and seriously seizures, the vet explained. Puppies are even more at risk
because they are so curious.
So BEST to be on the side of caution and just avoided this type of mulch when
planting this spring. You can read more about this mulch at
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Veterinarians have noted that cocoa mulch contains ingredients that could pose a health risk to dogs and other pets, that might be tempted to ingest it.
Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs said Dr. Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal hospital.
Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its fine
texture and the sweet smell of fresh mulch. But getting past the sent, Dr. Family
says cocoa mulch can be dangerous if a dog starts eating it. It contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Similar to eating chocolate, he says a dog
that eats just a few ounces of cocoa mulch could start having stomach problems and it could get worse if it eats more. As time goes on they might act restless, excited and it could produce
tremors and seriously seizures, the vet explained. Puppies are even more at risk
because they are so curious.
So BEST to be on the side of caution and just avoided this type of mulch when
planting this spring. You can read more about this mulch at
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Are your pet's toys safe?
Providing your pet with toys to play with is one of the most basic aspects of
responsible pet care. We expect that these toys will bring many hours of enjoyment,
often not even entertaining the thought that a toy could have a very opposite effect.
The ball refered to in the below stoy is one with only 1 hole in the ball and a bell inside.
This type of toy can create a suction and get stuck on your pets tongue. Causing such
damage that the pet often has to have surgery to remove part of all it's tongue.
Please read Chai's story and click on the link. It takes you to Chai and his owners blog
where you can see all this poor fellow has had to go through and continues to go through
due to this one toy.
The picture in this post is the very ball that was stuck on chai's tongue. Please make
sure you do not have these types of balls in your home.
Chai's Story: Most recently, the story of Chai, a Labrador mix whose tongue
ultimately had to be amputated after getting stuck in a ball, circulated in the virtual
world. The culprit was the Pimple Ball manufactured by Four Paws.
Four Paws has stopped shipment of this product and alerted retailers that they should immediately remove the item from their shelves.
Update: The HSUS has been receiving reports that some retailers continue to
sell recalled versions of the Pimple Ball. If you've recently purchased one, please
check the UPC code on your Pimple Ball to ensure that you haven't purchased
a recalled version.
Chai's story is certainly tragic; however it does provide a good reminder for everyone to take a look at their pet's toys to make sure they sturdy and safe. If in doubt, it's best to remove a toy from your pet's collection instead of risking tragedy.
Stop now and take a look around your homes, see it from your pets view and pay attention to anything that may cause harm to a pet you love.
If in doubt about your pets toys, take them to your vet and get their advise. Before
buying a new toy for your pet, do some research. This wonderful computer we sit
in front of is a great tool for researching. And if you're buying a ball for your furbaby,
make sure it has two holes in it.
Parts of this post was referenced from The humane society's web site.
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