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~ Pet Care Resources ~
"The heartbreak happens all too often a pet owner is unable to afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the price. If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the cost of care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook. Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship making it too difficult to afford pet care. And some animals, brought to clinics by Good Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever the situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured animals are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship."
Angels 4 Animals. http://www.Angels4Animals.org
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need."
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A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care. "CareCredit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every budget."
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance. (FVEAP)
"The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten ? any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion." The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more than a diversion."
"Mission Statement: Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged."
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need urgent veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or emergency vet visits. Companion animal owners must often make the difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect urgent medical needs because of the costs involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of cost."
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."
Nanny's Fannys, Mini Pig & Animal Rescue, Inc. [501(c)3 approved]
and Aid For Animals, Inc., DBA, Aid For Animals And Humanity
Jeannette Ferro, Founder and President
P. O. Box 990
Baker, LA. 70704-0990
225-261-6764
http://www.aidforanimalsinc.com/
Animal Law
Stephen Baker (estate planning for pets) at http://estateplanningforpets.org/
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Dangers of Flea Control Products
Each year as flea season approaches, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives thousands of calls from pet owners who have accidentally misused flea control products on their cats. There are almost 20 brands of products containing permethrin currently available that are labeled “for dogs only.” When used on cats—even in small amounts—these products can spell big trouble.
“The misuse of flea and tick products can be extremely harmful and even deadly to our companion animals,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, APCC Senior Vice President. Signs commonly seen with permethrin toxicity in cats include tremors, muscle fasciculation and seizures. These symptoms can develop within just hours, or may be delayed up to two days. Most cats have a good chance of recovering with prompt and aggressive veterinary treatment, which may include medication, IV fluids, bathing and other supportive care.
APCC experts urge you to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing products to control fleas on your pet or in your home—and always read the product instructions completely before using any product on your pet. Adds Hansen, “By simply taking the time to read a product label carefully, a pet owner could save his or her animal’s life.”
If you have used a flea control product and notice that your cat is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more pet poison prevention tips, please visit APCC online.
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Vaccine Maker Recalls Rabies Doses
STELLA M. HOPKINS
A leading rabies vaccine manufacturer has voluntarily recalled about 330,000 doses sold nationwide after a vaccinated dog contracted the deadly disease.
"They don't know why ... the animal contracted rabies," said Kelly Goss, a spokeswoman for Fort Dodge Animal Health, based in Overland Park, Kan., and a division of health care giant Wyeth. "In the best interest of pet owners and animals, we made a decision to voluntarily recall that product."
The company mailed notices to veterinarians on May 25, and will reimburse them for revaccination, Goss said. Doctors are notifying pet owners to bring in animals for free shots.
Fort Dodge began selling the recalled batch in January 2005. Goss didn't know how many vets bought the problem lot. Fort Dodge tested batches of vaccine with serial numbers issued around that of the affected lot and found no problems, she said.
Animals at greatest risk are outdoor pets and those such as puppies and kittens, who received the recalled medication as their first and only vaccination, said Dr. Steve Marks of the N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh.
"If that initial vaccination did not work, then they're ... at risk for rabies," he said.
Notified pet owners should act quickly to have their animal revaccinated, Marks said, but he cautioned against panic.
"Just call your veterinarian if you're in doubt," he said.
What This Means to Pet Owners
Fort Dodge Animal Health recalled rabies vaccine Rabvac 3 TF, serial number 873113A. Your vet should notify you if your pet was vaccinated with the problem batch. You can also check the rabies certificate that you should have received, which lists the manufacturer and serial number.
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Colorado River Toads
Colorado River Toads are out early this year. Colorado River Toads are extremely toxic to your pets. The toad excretes a poison through its skin and if your dog licks it, or heaven forbid eats one, you need to take immediate action. Grab your dog and grab the garden hose. Rinse the dogs mouth out FROM BACK TO FRONT. You don't want to rinse the poison down the throat...you are trying to rinse the poison from the dog's mouth. If you touch the toad yourself, be sure to wash yourself too. Seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible after rinsing the dog's mouth. Colorado River Toads burrow into the ground during the heat of the day. If you see your pet poking curiously at something in a hole, get him away immediately and watch him for signs of distress -- rapid breathing, vomiting, and extreme salivating are initial signs. If your pet exhibits these signs, flush his mouth with lots and lots of water, then get to your veterinarian quickly. Remember - your pet need only lick the toad to be poisoned by it and possibly lose his life.
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"When Your Pet Outlives You," by David Congalton and Charlotte Alexander.
This book is short and very readable, but the information and resources are excellent. The basic message is DO NOT rely on friends, family, or local humane societies to take care of your pets when you die -- prepare ahead of time for your pets‘ welfare with a revocable trust. Some other helpful tips: 1) Carry a PET CARD in your wallet, listing neighbors (with phone numbers) who should be contacted immediately if you are suddenly and for whatever reason rendered incapacitated, hospitalized, or deceased. These neighbors can then immediately take over feeding and caring for the animals in your absence until long-term provision can be made for them. Be sure to ask your neighbors’ permission beforehand and show them where you hide the house key. 2) In a prominent place at home, leave clear instructions about each of your animals' habits/routines/feeding/walking schedules, veterinary details, microchip information, etc. This will make the work much easier for those kind neighbors. It also would be helpful to keep an undated check hidden in the house, but known to your neighbors, so they can cash it and not incur any out-of-pocket costs for food or vet bills. 3) Make very specific descriptions of your animals' behaviors, so that if homes do have to be found for them in the event of your death or incapacity, those trying to find homes can better match the animals with adopters. Add photos of your pet alongside its description. Post this information in an easy-to-find spot, such as on the refrigerator. The animals you now love, which you could leave behind at any moment - let's face it - can be dumped, destroyed, or even end up in a testing laboratory unless we prepare ahead of time to ensure otherwise.
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Protect Pets and Wildlife In the Extreme Arizona Heat.
As hot as you are, the wild critters are hotter. After all they don't have a house or movie or shopping mall they can escape to. No big cool drinks or pools to splash in.
So how about you help them out. How? Just put a small, shallow dish (with small stones in it) of water in a shady spot or hose down under the bushes. Animals will drink from the dish and scrape out a small depression next to it or under the bush and it will help them cool off a little.
DO NOT put out big, deep bowls. That will attract larger animals and will drown little Quail (they cannot swim and once their feathers are wet they sink).
Pet Owners . . . Remember that your pets need to be closely monitored in the heat of the summer. Do Not take them on long walks or when you go cycling. Their feet cannot take the hot pavement and asphalt. Do Not leave your pets outside all day. When they do have to be outside, make sure they have PLENTY of water and shelter.
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PET HEALTH ALERT: HOLD THE GUACAMOLE, POR FAVOR
Thinking of giving Polly a little something extra with her cracker? While there are a few foods that both humans and pets can enjoy, there are others that, while perfectly safe and healthy for people, can be dangerous to our animal companions. "Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as persin,” says Dana Farbman, CVT, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). “The Guatemalan variety, which is the most common variety found in stores, appears to be the most problematic.”
The primary concern in dogs is with gastrointestinal irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects are seen in dogs who have scavenged on significant quantities of fruit or branches. Birds and rodents appear to be particularly sensitive to avocado, and ingestion can result in respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the heart and even death. For additional information, please visit ASPCA online.
If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten avocado—or any other potentially dangerous substance—call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online.
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Removing Ticks
Here's the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places that can be difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.
Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and let it stay on the insect for 15-20 seconds, after which the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. Easy on the pet - easy on you.
HOW ABOUT THIS HEAT???!!!!
As hot as you are, the wild critters are hotter. They don't have houses or movie theaters or shopping malls they can escape to. No big cool drinks or pools to splash in. So how about you help them out. How? Just put a small, shallow dish of water (with small stones in it) in a shady spot or a trickling hose down under some bushes. Animals will drink from the dish and scrape out a small depression next to it or under the bush to lie in and it will help them cool off a little. DON'T use big, deep bowls. Small Quail could drown (Quail cannot swim and once their feathers get wet, they sink).
Here are more tips on keeping your dog safe in hot summer temperatures.
- Keep him hydrated. Make sure your dog has access to water. If you're on the move, carry a portable bowl and bottle of water.
- Different dogs have different needs. Darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats, and overweight dogs dehydrate faster. Keep this in mind when taking your pack on a walk.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car. A car retains heat, even in the shade. Add an overexcited dog to the equation, and dehydration can result. On long trips, keep the AC on or roll down the window, and make sure water is available.
- Be innovative. A wet towel, a water spritzer, a kiddie pool, a fan in front of a pan of ice: these are all great ways to help keep your dog cool.
- Dogs cool from the bottom up. Lay a wet towel under your dog instead of on top of her coat. Don't forget your dog's paws and stomach when spraying water.
- Be vigilant! Watch for signs of dehydration. These include excessive drooling, lethargy, bloodshot eyes, and loss of skin elasticity. If you're concerned, get your dog into the shade or go inside, provide water, and contact your veterinarian.
By Deb M. Eldredge, DVM
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center recently released a list of the ten most common poisons that dogs ingest. What is immediately striking about the list is how ordinary each of the poisons is-most of us have these compounds in our homes or garages. The list is a reminder that it is important to keep medications and potentially toxic items locked up or stored safely away from our pets. Here is a list of the toxins that you need to keep out of your pet's reach:
Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a widely used human non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In dogs, this medication can cause stomach and kidney problems and even impact the nervous system causing symptoms such as depression and seizures. If you drop a pill, be very careful to find it before your dog does. Labs and Beagles are notorious for snarfing up dropped drugs. If
this happens in your household, be sure to make your dog vomit, if you can, as soon as you suspect he ate any pills, and then call your veterinarian. Never give your dog ibuprofen for pain or discomfort.
Chocolate. Chocolate has two potent substances - theobromine and caffeine. The amount of these compounds present in chocolate varies greatly depending upon the type and brand of chocolate. The dog who indulges in chocolate with large amounts of theobromine or caffeine may show increased heart rate and excitability leading to possible seizures. If you can make your dog vomit close to the time of ingestion, do so. Then head to your veterinarian. It may take up to three days for the theobromine effects to wear off, and this can be dangerous for your dog's heart.
Ant and Roach Baits. Ant and roach baits may be found in motels when you travel, as well as in areas around your home. Luckily the toxic substances are generally present in small amounts, but they are often mixed in with tasty treats like peanut butter that your dog may find irresistible. If your dog ingests the bait, he is more likely to have a problem with the parts of
the container he eats than with the ingredients, but take him into your veterinarian just the same. Better to be safe than sorry.
Rodenticides. People often rely on rodenticides to remove mice and rats when they don't have a good cat or a skilled terrier to do the dirty work. Most of these products contain anticoagulants that stimulate fatal bleeding in rodents. They can also stimulate bleeding in dogs that eat the treated blocks. Paralysis, seizures, and kidney failure are all possible effects of these potent drugs. Induce vomiting if you can, but then head directly to your veterinarian. Your dog may need fluids, blood tests to
follow the progression of treatment, vitamin K injections, and possibly even a blood transfusion. Some versions of rodenticides have cholecalciferol that can cause elevated blood calcium and phosphorus levels, which lead to renal failure. This may require a much different course of action for your pet. If possible, bring the container for the poison into your vet's office, so they can determine exactly what your dog is up against.
Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an extremely common pain medication for people. Unfortunately, this drug can cause liver failure, swelling of the face and paws, a problem with oxygen transport in the blood, and even a decrease in tear production for dogs. N-acetylcysteine is an antidote to the problem, but it needs to be repeated until all signs of poisoning are cleared. Supportive treatment for the liver and dry eyes is recommended. If your dog ingests acetaminophen, he will probably need to
be hospitalized.
Pseudoephedrine Containing Cold Medications. Numerous over the counter cold medications contain pseudoephedrine. In
dogs, this drug causes panting, excitement, increased temperature, and increased heart rate. Sedation and even general anesthesia may be required to settle your dog down, while fluid therapy will help to flush this substance from your dog's system.
Thyroid Hormones. Thyroid hormones are used to treat both people and dogs with low thyroid levels. Luckily, most dogs handle an overdose of these medications quite well. An increased heart rate and a hyperactive dog that is bouncing off
the walls are common signs that your dog has eaten something he shouldn't.
Bleach. Most bleach products used at home are fairly dilute. Commercial bleaches, however, can be very strong and cause irritation to your dog's eyes or skin. A quick bath is ideal if bleach is on your dog's skin or coat. If your dog inhales bleach, especially any bleach mixed with ammonia products, she could develop a deadly chemical pneumonitis. This can affect you too, so don't breathe deeply yourself. Get your dog out into fresh air as quickly as possible and then to your veterinarian.
Fertilizer, Including Plant Foods. Fertilizer can be very attractive to dogs. Additives such as bone meal are enticing. While the basic fertilizer formulas of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are generally not highly toxic, additives such as fungicides can be. Most dogs that ingest fertilizer show gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea, but they do recover on their own. In some cases, however, they need fluids for hydration and medications to settle and soothe the stomach and intestines. Consult with your veterinarian for the best course of treatment when your dog ingests fertilizer.
Hydrocarbons Including Paints, Polishes, and Fuel Oils. Rounding out the list is hydrocarbons. These products can be found in paints, polishes, and fuel oils-including kerosene, acetone, and gasoline. Dogs that swallow these products tend to have gastrointestinal upsets. The skin can also be irritated from contact. If your dog simply breathes in fumes or aspirates these products, he may suffer from depression or hyperexcitability along with secondary pneumonia and liver or kidney damage. Dogs that have breathed or ingested hydrocarbons should not be made to vomit as the risk of aspiration is too high. Instead, they need symptomatic treatment and supportive care such as fluids to flush their systems, baths to remove any residue, and saline flushing of the eyes if any residue splashed into them.
All of the products on the ASPCA list can be found in most of our households. To keep your pet safe, be proactive. Store goods safely in locked cupboards, use secure, non-breakable containers, and always keep careful track of all medications in the household. Taking some basic precautions can go a long way toward avoiding a catastrophe for your dog.
If you have questions about the safety of a substance or you suspect your pet may have ingested something he shouldn't have, don't wait--call the National Animal Poison Control Center at: 888-426-4435.
Deb M. Eldredge, DVM graduated from Cornell University as the first recipient of the Gentle Doctor Award. She has been in private practice and is active in virtually all dog sports. She is also an award winning writer - most recently co-authoring a book with her 15 yr old daughter - Head of the Class.
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License Your Dog!
Do you love your dog? Then license your dog! Thousands of pets find their way into MCACC Centers each year without any form of identification. Unfortunately, without identification, we are unable to reunite them with their families. Purchasing a dog license will ensure that your special companion can be returned home quickly and safely.
The law requires that all dogs over the age of three months have a license and rabies vaccination. Animal Care & Control licenses dogs in all unincorporated areas in Maricopa County and all other municipalities within Maricopa County with the exception of Fountain Hills and Native American reservations.
A license is more than just a requirement. It is a benefit to you and your dog.
- Found dogs with a license can be reunited quickly with their owner.
- Your lost dog gets a free ride home. MCACC staff will attempt to bring your dog home to you immediately, skipping a trip to our center.
- If your dog does get lost, he or she will get a longer care period at one of our Centers. We will exhaust every option we have to contact you using the information in our database, as well as provide this information to Pets 911.
- If your dog bites someone, he/she may be eligible for home quarantine instead of quarantine in our facility or a veterinary hospital.
- License fees support the operations and care of the animals in our facilities, return of over 6,500 pets to their homes, and adoption of more than 20,000 homeless pets to new families every year.
All dogs need to be licensed so they have identification in case they get out or become lost, and it’s the law. Even indoor-only dogs confined to fenced yards get loose. The State of Arizona does not require cats to be licensed. It is a good idea to get your cat an id tag. A lost cat with an id tag has a better chance of being returned to her owner.
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