Category: TASP’s Newsletters

Vet Sci 101 – Winter Safety for Pets

Vet Science 101 – Winter Safety for Pets

Now that winter is on its way, there are different dangers that our pets may be exposed to, such as frigid temperatures, ice melt and antifreeze. In this edition of Vet Science 101, we will discuss these wintertime dangers, symptoms of exposure, and what to do if your pet encounters one of these situations.

Hypothermia

Extremely cold temperatures can cause serious problems for animals that are outside for even short periods of time. Most pets are not bred to withstand temperatures below freezing (32 degrees F). People mistakenly think that their pet is not affected by the cold because they have a fur coat, but nothing could be further from the truth. Cats and dogs can suffer, and even die from hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when an animal’s internal temperature becomes too low for the body to function normally. It can affect all animals but those who are wet, small, elderly, young, or outside with no shelter are most affected. Symptoms of hypothermia include:

Severe lethargy
Decreased appetite
Decreased responsiveness
Low body temperature (on average below 98 degrees Fahrenheit)
Discoloration of skin – especially red or blackened extremities
Pale or white gums

Hypothermia is a medical emergency and you should seek immediate veterinary attention if you find an animal with these symptoms.

However, if for some reason it is absolutely necessary for your pet to be outdoors for an extended period of time in cold weather, make sure your pet has access to the following at all times:

Shelter with draft-proof walls and good bedding such as straw or cedar
Fresh water that has not frozen
Ample quantities of fresh food (exposure to the cold increases the body’s need for fuel and calories)
Blankets and/or coats

Antifreeze and ice melt

Antifreeze is an extremely dangerous winter toxin. Pets are attracted to the odor and taste of it. Ingestion of antifreeze can cause acute, fatal kidney failure. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze spills that may result when adding or changing the antifreeze in your car and make sure antifreeze is in sealed containers that are out of reach of children and pets. If your pet does ingest antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary attention.

While ice melt is not toxic in small amounts, these salt-based products can cause irritation to your pet’s mouth and skin. They can also cause serious stomach issues if large volumes are ingested. The possibility also exists for sodium toxicity and hyperkalemia if an animal eats large quantities. If possible, purchase ice melt that is pet-friendly to use at home. If your pet is exposed to ice melt during walks on streets and sidewalks, or even at home, wipe off your pet’s paws with a warm, damp cloth to prevent licking and ingestion.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is a guide only. It does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please contact your local veterinary clinic or emergency veterinary hospital for consultations for medical conditions. Please do not attempt diagnosis or treatment of conditions by yourself.

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2, Pet Safety and Resources Comments Off animalantifreezecaloriescatdangerdoghyperkalemiahypothermiaicelethargymeltpetsafetysaltsheltertoxinveterinarywaterwinter

Tip of the Quarter – Doggie Howlzer says, “Holidays present dangers to pets.”

Every holiday season, your home is sure to be filled with fun and holiday cheer. It is a time for celebration with friends and family, and that often includes our four legged friends. It’s important to consider your pet’s safety when decorating and preparing holiday meals. Here is a list of cautions to keep in mind when living or visiting with cats and dogs.

Food

While it may be tempting to feed your pets trimmings and scraps (even I, the good doctor, have been known to beg for a turkey leg!), please resist for the sake of your pet’s health. There are two groups of food to avoid feeding your pet. One is toxic foods which require an immediate visit to the veterinarian.

The other group is high-fat foods which can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and can affect both dogs and cats.

Toxic Foods

Xylitol (a sugar substitute found in gum and candies) can cause death in even the smallest amounts
Raisins, grapes – can cause kidney failure and even death
Uncooked bread dough
Onions
Certain spices/oils – (sage)
Chocolate (dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate)
Avocado (seed only)

High Fat Foods

Turkey (dark meat)
Buttery/Fried Dishes
Stuffing (if cooked with butter or whole milk)
Gravy
Casseroles (depending on the fat content)
Certain Desserts

Holiday Plants

Holiday plants may be mistaken for food by our pets. Side effects include gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea as well as more life-threatening conditions. Be especially cautious of the following if you choose to display these plant species in your home:

Lilies (all varieties, including Easter Lily and Amaryllis): these can cause acute renal (kidney) failure in our feline friends. It is very important if your cat eats any type of Lily plant that you seek immediate veterinary care.
Mistletoe
Poinsettias
Holly
Pine tree needles and sap
Christmas Cactus

CLICK HERE to see The ASPCA’s list of the Top 5 Holiday Toxins for Pets.

Decorations

Many pets find holiday decorations very appealing. However, this can lead to various types of injuries.

Ornaments: Pets may think these are toys and ingest (eat) them and/ or choke on them. Glass ornaments can cause cuts on paws and to the mouth and digestive tract, if swallowed. They can also get stuck in the GI tract and need surgical removal.
Tinsel/Ribbon/Garland/Wrapping Paper: Pets often find tinsel and ribbon quite intriguing. This is especially true for cats. If ingested, any of these items can get trapped in the intestines. This requires immediate veterinary attention and can be life threatening if not addressed.
Potpourri: The festive scent can entice pets to investigate. Make sure containers are covered or not accessible. If ingested, potpourri can cause GI upset (vomiting and diarrhea).
Christmas tree water: Many pets love to drink the water in the tree stand. Be cautious if you use chemicals in the water to preserve the life of your tree as these can be harmful to your pets.

Lights/Candles/Electrical Cords

The glow of lights and candles add a warm touch to dark, wintry nights. Our furry friends, however, may see things differently.

Candles or Fireplaces: Any type of flame candle or fire can cause a burn risk to our furry friends.
Wires/Electrical Cords: Pets may think lights or cords are toys. They may chew them and experience an electrical shock (which can be life-threatening), or create a fire risk.
Presents: Some holiday gifts may contain small parts, batteries, or buttons that can be hazardous if swallowed.

With careful planning and preparation, the holidays can be fun, festive, and safe for all…and to all a good night!

Doggie Howlser, M.Dog

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2 Comments Off animalcatdangerdogingestionpettoxin

Local Low Cost Pet Services

Low-cost Clinics

In each newsletter we will list various shelters and organizations that provide low-cost veterinary services, such as vaccines, microchipping, and spay/neuter to individuals who may need financial assistance affording vet care for their companion animal(s).

Animal Protective Foundation (APF) – Located at 53 Maple Avenue in Scotia, the APF provides lower-cost spay/neuter clinics. Appointments must be made in advance by calling 374-3944, ext. 121 or 125 (please leave a message) or email: afpclinic@animalprotective.org. For more details go to: www.animalprotective.org

Battenkill Veterinary – Rabies Vaccination Clinics held Monday through Friday from 2-3PM on a walk-in basis. For more details: http://battenkillveterinary.com/

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society – Lower-fee spay and neuter for individuals with limited income. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the Menands shelter at 434-8128 or the Saratoga shelter at 886-9645. For more details go to: www.mohawkhumane.org/spayneuter.html

Capital Region PETCO Stores – Low cost vaccinations through VETCO, with convenient hours. Click here to check availability at Capital District stores.

Pet Supplies Plus – VIP PetCare Community Veterinary Clinic offering: low cost vaccines, heartworm testing and prevention, and other preventative veterinary services including canine Rabies vaccines and micro-chipping. No appointment necessary, first-come, first-served. For more information, visit www.VipPetCare.com or contact the store. Click here to check availability at Capital District stores.

Tractor Supply Company (TSC) – Offers monthly preventative vet care visits at many of their locations in the Capital District, Washington County, and Bennington County, Vermont. The clinics are operated by VIP Petcare Mobile Clinics with a licensed vet on staff. No appointment is needed and there is only a charge for the vaccinations. Contact your local TSC for dates and times. Click here to reach the Tractor Supply website.

In Case You Don’t Live in NY’s Capital District, you can find low cost spay-neuter clinics at this cool ASPCA site: Click Here to check it out.

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2, Pet Safety and Resources Comments Off affordableanimalcarecatclinicdogkittenlow costneuterpetpuppyspayvaccinatevaccinationvetveterinaryworm

The Legislative Corner – Laws and Rules to Protect Animals in Motor Vehicles

The Legislative Corner – Laws and Rules to Protect Animals in Motor Vehicles

If you own a dog or a cat, chances are high that your furry friend rode as a passenger in your vehicle on at least a few occasions. You may have let them roam free in the backseat, permitted them to ride shotgun, or secured them in a crate, but are there laws in place that determine how pets are supposed to ride in the car?

One survey sponsored by AAA and Kurgo Pet Products found that well over half of respondents had participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dogs:

52% had petted their dog while driving
17% allowed their dog to sit in their lap while driving
13% gave food or treats to their dog while driving
4% acknowledged playing with their dog while driving

However, only 16% of owners used some form of restraint for the dog in the vehicle. What is even more surprising is that 83% of people responding to the survey agreed that having an unrestrained dog in a moving car can be dangerous.

Although politicians have historically avoided legislation on this topic, some states are using the law to protect people and their pets while out on the road:

In New Jersey, officers can stop a driver they believe is improperly transporting an animal. Tickets range from $250 – $1,000 per pet, and a driver can face a disorderly person’s offense under animal-cruelty laws. In the past, state officers have cited drivers with dogs hanging their heads out of windows, drivers of pick-up trucks with unleashed dogs traveling in the truck bed, drivers with cats resting on their dashboards, and even one driver with a bird perched on their shoulder.

Hawaii openly prohibits drivers from having any unrestrained animal in their car. In the “Aloha” State, you can be fined $97 dollars for driving with a dog in your lap and $57 if the animal is unrestrained in a moving vehicle.

In Arizona, Connecticut, and Maine, distracted-driving laws have been used to charge drivers with pets on their laps.

The goal of these laws is not to save the lives of our pets; the main focus is to protect human lives. Unrestrained pets can become a distraction and distractions cause accidents. In a collision at 50 mph, an unrestrained 10-pound dog will hit you with about 500 pounds of force – more than enough to cause serious damage, or even death, to both you and your dog. This amount of gravitational force could also pull a dog out of its own collar or tether, depending on the restraint design and the crash circumstances.

TASP knows first hand of two motor vehicle collisions where dogs were ejected from vehicles: one in which a 15lb. dog was restrained with a tether to its collar in the back seat, and one in which a 6lb. dog was riding loose on the front seat. Interestingly, the tethered dog was actually killed, and the loose dog survived but with significant, life-altering injuries. Neither outcome would be what we would want for our pet.

It is clear that there is little chance of predicting what can happen when we depart for a ride with our pet. Risk and uncertainty can never be completely eliminated from our lives, and we need to ask ourselves, as the guardians of our pets, what we can do to keep risk to a minimum for their sake. Maintaining situational awareness and concentrating on the road is the duty of every driver. When we take our pet for a ride, we would be wise to remember our obligation to our pet, our passenger and our fellow travelers and focus on the task at hand.

What do you think about laws that restrict how your pet can ride in your motor vehicle? And, in the absence of formal laws, what do you think YOU can do to reduce the risk of death or injury when your pet goes for a ride with you?

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2 Comments Off accidentanimalautomobilecarcollardrivingejectpetpickuprestraintseat belttethertruck

Update: Will Bria Be Home for the Holidays?

Hi again, everybody! It’s me, Bria! I’m still in foster care with TASP, and pretty soon it will be a whole year that my family and I have been apart. We’re still keeping tabs on each other and the rumor is, we might have a new home by Christmas. It seems like so long ago that the fire wiped out our old house and put me here in foster care. Ever since then, Mom and Dad have been working their hearts out, trying to save up enough for a down payment on a house while they’re still waiting for the insurance companies to stop arguing with each other. I love them for keeping their promise to Allana and me to reunite all of us again for good and forever, and I’ll wait patiently until they are ready to bring me home.

This is Allana’s first year in college and I have been praying for her to be as successful as I know she can be. It must be hard to concentrate on your studies when you’ve lost your home and your BFF isn’t beside you to keep you smiling, don’t you think?

While I’m waiting, I’ve got a nice young fella to play with here at my foster home. His Mama has been very sick so while she is getting better, Nicholas the German Shepherd puppy lives in my zone. When he first showed up, I thought he was kinda goofy….all feet and ears and always jumping on everyone and chewing anything he could fit into his mouth. But now, he’s been here for a few months and he’s been growing into a handsome young dawg. He’s become my favorite playmate and best friend (next to Allana, of course).

Nick and I like playing Capture the Wubba and Steal the Antler outdoors in the yard and we wrestle like a couple of Olympians for hours on the kitchen floor. At night, after last outs, we like chillin’ with our peanut butter Kongs while Mom and Dad are finishing up the day’s chores. Thanks to all the exercise and play with Nicholas, I am staying in great shape and losing some of my own goofiness, gaining some more manners and maturing into an adult Lab Lady.

I still spend most of my day carrying things in my mouth….old habits are the hardest to break. But heck, we all have our fetishes, right? And at least you always know where to look for the Kong Wobbler: it’s right here, in my mouth!

You don’t have to worry about me because I am safe in TASP foster care. But would you please pray for Mama and Dad, Allana and the kids? They have lost so much but they still keep trying to rebuild their life. If our prayers come true, this Christmas, I’ll be sleeping next to my Allana again.

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2 Comments Off best friendBFFbriacareChristmascompaniondogfirefostergratefulpetplaymateprayerrescue

Grrreat Reads – Holiday Gift Edition

Grrreat Reads – Holiday Gift Edition

For starting a new family tradition

“No Room” by Peter H. Riddle, Illustrated by Shelley Hustins Christmas is a time for celebration, for families, and especially for the giving of gifts, and there can be no greater gift than to share one’s home. Kindness brings its own rewards, and sometimes more, as the family in “No Room” discovers when a stray cat appears on their doorstep one snowy Christmas Eve. The oldest boy wants to take the cat in, but there is a problem. “We haven’t got room,” Father said, “for another. We already have seven pets, and your brother.” Just before bedtime, the children gather around to hear their father read the beloved Christmas legend about Mary and Joseph being turned away from a crowded inn on the eve of Jesus’ birth. What happens next can only be described as a miracle.

For young adult readers

The touching prequel to Greg Kincaid’s bestselling novel “A Dog Named Christmas”, “Christmas with Tucker” is the moving story of George, a young boy dealing with the loss of his father, and the dog that comes into his life to offer him hope and a touch of courage. It is the winter of 1962, and Kansas is hit with one of the worst blizzards in its history. It is during this cruel season that twelve-year-old George is called upon to endure more than even most grown men could withstand—the death of his father and the upkeep of the family farm that is his legacy. When his mother and sisters leave for Minnesota, George has only his grandparents and the companionship of Tucker, an Irish setter, to help him persevere through these most difficult challenges. Can he find the strength to walk the road that leads to healing, finding his true self and ultimately becoming a man? “Christmas with Tucker” is a classic Christmas story about a young man’s love for his dog, his family, and his farm.

Set in the Deep South, William A. Armstrong’s Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of the great coon dog, Sounder, and the poor sharecroppers who own him. During the difficult years of the nineteenth-century south, an African-American boy and his poor family rarely have enough to eat. Each night, the boy’s father takes their dog, Sounder, out to look for food and the man grows more desperate by the day. When food suddenly appears on the table one morning, it seems like a miracle. But the sheriff and his deputies are not far behind. The ever-loyal Sounder remains determined to help the family he loves as hard times bear down on them. This classic novel shows the courage, love, and faith that bind an African-American family together despite the racism and inhumanity they face. Readers who enjoy timeless dog stories such as “Old Yeller” and “Where the Red Fern Grows” will find much to love in “Sounder”.

For the younger set

Sandra Markle and Howard McWilliam ask this question of kids and generate some pretty wild ideas. Sparking imagination and at the same time, informing about all sorts of species of animals, this book is rich in colorful illustrations and facts about animals that even many adults probably don’t know. A great book to share with your children! And while you’re at it, why not consider…….

The second of three “What If…” books from Sandra Markle and Howard McWilliam! It’s just as zany, just as colorful, and loaded with interesting information about what it means to have the teeth of a snake, a giraffe, a beaver, a shark, and so many others! The scientific information woven into each fun-to-read section stirs the imagination and is sure to liven your holiday dinner table conversation. Then, why not make it the triple set………

What If You Had Animal Ears!? is the third of the series of imagination-building books that are truly as much fun to share as they are to read. Inspiring kids to discover what it might be like to have the ears of other animals is just one cool aspect of this book. While entertaining and informing, it’s also helping children learn empathy, the ability to put themselves into another’s shoes (or ears, as the case may be). Guaranteed to keep your kids laughing, chattering and imagining all the way through the holidays and beyond.

Just for fun – high-quality coffee table books

Seth Casteel captures new sides of our old friends with vibrant underwater photography that makes it impossible to look away. From the water’s surface, it’s a simple exercise: a dog’s leap, a splash, and then a wet head surfacing with a ball, triumphant. But beneath the water is a chaotic ballet of bared teeth and bubbles, paddling paws, fur and ears billowing in the currents. Each image bubbles with exuberance and life, a striking reminder that even in the most loveable and domesticated dog, there are more primal forces at work. “Underwater Dogs” gives playful and energetic testament to the rough-and-tumble joy that our dogs bring into our lives.

Since the wolf first snuck into the caves of our ancestors to take warmth from the fire, dogs have been man’s constant companion.” Dogs” multi-award-winning photographer, Tim Flach, delves deep into the psyche of humanity’s enduring bond with Canis familiaristo to present an exquisite study of “man’s best friend.” The images featured in “Dogs” promise to deliver one of the most appealing, popular, and exciting photographic tributes to dogs ever published.

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December 4, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 2 Comments Off animalbestsellingbookclassicnovelpetreadstoryyoung

Grrrrrreat Reads

Grrreat Reads! By Deb Lilley

Growing up I loved the hour right before bedtime. That was the time that my sister and I would get to pick out one of the many books we borrowed from the library that week for our dad to read to us. Now this was a special time. We got to sit on our parent’s bed with dad – me on the left and my sister on the right – just waiting for him to open the cover and read to us. As we got older, we were able to read the stories to him. Our most favorite book, “The Mellops Go Spelunking”, was about a family of pigs who had amazing adventures together. We had read it so many times we could recite it by heart. Thus began my life-long love of reading.

In this section titled “Grrreat Reads!” readers young, old, and young-at-heart will be introduced to a variety of books about animals. Many of these books will make you laugh, or cry, or smile, sometimes all three in the same book. Maybe they’ll bring back memories of a favorite childhood pet, or maybe they’ll inspire a young person’s dream to be a vet, or maybe even a spelunker! But no matter what emotions, memories, or dreams these books may inspire, I certainly hope that they’ll inspire togetherness and sharing, because you never know where a book will take you or who you’ll meet inside…or who will be reading along right by your side.

Since we’re on the subject of pigs, this issue’s Grrreat Read is about “Some Pig”. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White is a pig tale for all ages. It tells the story of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte who lives on a web overlooking the pig enclosure on the Zuckerman farm. When Wilbur overhears that he is heading for market, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in order to convince the farmer to let him live. Spoiler Alert! Charlotte dies near the end of the book. If you are reading this book to or with young children, you may need to take time to talk with them or answer questions as they may be upset by Charlotte’s death.RETURN TO TASP NEWSLETTER

April 24, 2016 By Melinda Plasse In Newsletter 1 Comments Off

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