YDR Pets

Monkeys poisoned, goats maimed in military training videos

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:30:00 -0500

From Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:

CNN's Wolf Blitzer calls it a growing controversy. Last month, The Situation Room aired military videos obtained by PCRM through the Freedom of Information Act that reveal the unlawful use of live animals for medical training.

Congress and PCRM are asking the military to switch from these inhumane exercises to nonanimal teaching methods.

Find out more...

Fourth of July safety tips

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:02:54 -0500

From Dog's Life magazine:

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family -- including the four-legged members of the household.

While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing--or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it.While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

SOURCE: For more information, visit the ASPCA website.

Thunderclaps & fireworks: Easing dog fears

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:47:19 -0500

From Petside.com:

Does a flash of lightning or a rumble of thunder cause your dog to tremble or pant uncontrollably? Did last year's Fourth of July fireworks celebration prompt him to drool as though he were teething or to have a housetraining accident?

If any of these scenarios have occurred, or if he shows other signs of stress, you can help your four-legged friend deal more comfortably with thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud noises.

Listed below are a few suggestions that might help your pet:

Divert his attention. Sometimes, all a dog needs to overcome his fear is to have his attention diverted elsewhere.

"If a dog is frightened, get him engaged in a fun game of fetch, give him a phenomenal food-stuffed toy or bone, or get a handful of treats and ask him to perform all his tricks," suggests Dr. Lisa Radosta, a veterinary behaviorist from Royal Palm Beach, Florida. "And get happy and excited yourself. It works wonders."

Offer a mother's comfort. Many fearful dogs calm down when their owner uses a product with dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP).

The DAP, which is similar to the pheromone released by mother dogs nursing their puppies, "comes in a variety of forms such as a diffuser, a collar and a spray," says Dr. Emily Levine, a veterinary behaviorist in Fairfield, New Jersey.

More information about DAP products is available at www.petcomfortzone.com.

Find him a safe place. Some dogs try to find a place to hide away from storms --and if your dog is one, you can help him.

"Provide the dog with a small, dark area such as access to a closet if the dog tends to seek those types of places during storms," recommends Dr. Lore Haug, a veterinary behaviorist who practices in Sugar Land, Texas.

Wrap him up. Some dogs may respond to a product called The Anxiety Wrap, a form-fitting fabric wrap that applies pressure to various areas of the dog's body.

Use of the wrap may create "biofeedback slowing down the heart and therefore the animal feels less anxious," speculates Levine. "Or the wrap may be hitting certain pressure points that, when firmly touched, helps to calm the animal, much like wrapping a crying baby in a blanket."

That being said, other experts suggest that you acclimate your dog to the wrap before using it to calm your dog during a storm.

Introduce some competition. If you're going to be leaving the house to watch a fireworks display -- or if thunderstorms are in the weather forecast -- "play competing background noise such as a radio or TV, or use a white noisemaker," suggests Haug.

Drawing the shades to hide any lightning or fireworks is a good idea, too.

Act normal. Experts agree that coddling or attempting to comfort your stressed dog is not a good idea.

"The change in the owner's behavior from normal only makes the dog think there really is something to worry about," warns Haug. "The owner should interact with the dog in as normal a manner as possible."

Get help. If your efforts don't seem to reduce your dog's stress, seek help. "Reach out to your veterinarian for anti-anxiety medication," suggests Levine.

For very severe or intractable noise anxiety, a veterinarian may refer dog and owner to a veterinary behaviorist -- a veterinarian who has completed post-graduate work in animal behavior.

After evaluating the dog's behavior, the veterinary behaviorist can develop a comprehensive program to address the dog's thunderstorm, fireworks or noise anxiety, and any other issues he may have.

LOST: Puggle

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:46:49 -0500

A black and brown pug/beagle mix was lost June 29 in Baltimore, MD.

A reward is offered for the dog's safe return.

For details, visit www.fidofinder.com.

Dogs available at York County SPCA

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:25:52 -0500

For details on pets available for adoption, call the York County SPCA at (717) 764-6109, e-mail msmith@ycspca.org or visit the shelter at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, (Manchester Township) York, PA. To fill out an adoption application, visit www.ycspca.org and click on "adopt a friend," which will take you to a link for the application. Pets adopted from the SPCA are spayed or neutered and receive necessary vaccinations as part of the adoption fee.

This sweet terrier/hound mix was found in West York, wearing a blue collar. Her age is estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. She was very happy to get out of her kennel for a short walk. She would love to find a new family to take walks with. Could that be your family? Her ID# is 55856.

Hanna was an owner surrender. Her previous owners could not care for her anymore. She is a 7-year-old Labrador retriever mix, and her adoption fee is only $29.99! Hanna gets along with dogs, kids and cats. She is spayed and house-trained. She is very sweet; a bit shy, but not too bad. Won't you give Hanna the second chance she deserves? Her ID# is 56150.

Frito is a handsome male pit bull terrier mix estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. He was found in York, on East Philadelphia Street. He's a little skittish still, but he is starting to come out of his shell. Can you give Frito the love and attention he deserves? His ID# is 56044.

This pretty border collie mix was found in the Newberry Farms mobile home park. She's a little overweight and has a neurological issue that causes her head to shake a little bit. She is very friendly and doesn't let her neurological issue slow her down. Talk to the SPCA staff for full details on her condition. She is estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old and gets along with kids, cats, and other dogs. She is also housebroken and spayed. Her ID# is 55466.

Fudgie is a male Labrador retriever mix who was found in Windsor Township. He is estimated to be older than 6 years old. He's very friendly and outgoing. Pay no attention to his clumpy fur; his winter coat is just coming out. It comes out very easily and he just needs a good brushing. Fudgie is neutered and looking for a loving new family with which to spend the rest of his life. His ID# is 56181.

Jersey is a very high-energy girl. She is a pit bull terrier/Labrador retriever mix who was found roaming in York. She would love to accompany you on your daily walks. Visit Jersey today! Her ID# is 55810.

Mikki was returned to the shelter because she didn't get along with the other dogs in her new home. She would like to find a home without other dogs so she could have you all to herself. Mikki gets along with children. She is a boxer estimated to be 5 years old. Can't you give this darling girl the love and attention she deserves? Her ID# is 55992.

This handsome Lab was found in Dillsburg as a stray. It's hard to believe no one has come looking for him. He is a typical goofy, high-energy Lab who will need some exercise daily. He is neutered, and his age is estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. His ID# is 55934.

Cody is another victim of the economy. His "Dad" is losing his home and cannot keep Cody. Cody is a Labrador retriever who is neutered, house-trained and gets along with cats, other dogs and children. His age is estimated to be between 1 and 5 years. Cody has that typical happy-go-lucky Lab attitude. His ID# is 55945.

This shy pit bull terrier was found as a stray in York in March, and is still looking for his forever home. He is a bit skittish, but he promises he'll warm up to you if you take him home! Won't you give him a chance? His ID# is 54036.

Cats available at York County SPCA

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:40:47 -0500

Sonny is a young neutered male who came to the shelter because his former owner had too many cats. Can Sonny come home with you? His ID# is 54322.

Taylor is an energetic young neutered male looking for his forever home. He would love a new family to be able to play with and get lots of love and attention from. Visit Taylor today! His ID# is 54539.

Jessy came to the shelter as a stray. He is a young gray who tabby would like to live with someone inside a house, where he will be safe. Can you adopt him? His ID# is 54055.

Smokey's owner could no longer take care of him, so he came to the shelter to look for a new forever home. He is very talkative and doesn't like to be around small children. Can he be part of your family? He is already neutered and ready to go home with you. Smokey's ID# is 55225.

Honey Wheat came in as a stray with his best friend, Pumpernickle. They would prefer to be adopted by the same family, if at all possible. Honey Wheat's ID# is 53962.

Malificent came to the shelter as a stray. Won't you consider giving him a forever home? He would love to give your family love and lots of company.! My ID# is 54662.

Olivia is a shy little girl. She likes people who are nice to her but I is not crazy about other cats. Olivia has silky black and white fur and just the prettiest face! Her previous owners let me roam around outside and some kind soul brought her to the shelter. Now she's looking for a new home. Could it be yours? My ID# is 54748.

Steven is soft and sweet and likes to cuddle. If you can give him the attention he craves, won't you please adopt him? You won't be sorry! His ID# is 53319.

Dora can be a little shy at first but once you get to know her, she can be very talkative. She loves attention and would love to be your next family member! She gets along with cats and children, and lives indoors. Dora is already spayed and microchipped and ready to go. She can be seen at PetSmart in York, which is one of the SPCA's satellite locations. Her ID# is 49685.

MD SPCA takes in puppy mill dogs

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:48:31 -0500

The Humane Society of the United States raided a puppy mill in Allentown, PA, this week and rescued more than 200 dogs and puppies.

The Maryland SPCA helped with the rescue, using its new transport van, and took in 18 puppies and dogs from the raid.

The rescued dogs range from young pups to 4-year-olds, from poodles to a Great Dane.

If you'd like to help support the care of these special dogs, click here to donate or send a donation to the Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD, 21211.

The MD SPCA receives no government or ASPCA funding. The dogs need your help!

If you are interested in adopting one of these dogs, e-mail adoptme@mdspca.org or 410-235-8826. The dogs still need to have health exams and spay/neuter surgeries before being available for adoption, and are still adjusting to their new surroundings.

Sago palm can cause liver failure

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:39:13 -0500

From Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital:

A plant known as the Sago Palm or Cycad, sold at many home improvement stores, can cause serious poisoning in pets and children.

The plant is also referred to as "the oldest known plant." It is used in outdoor landscaping in southern states, but can only survive as a houseplant in the north.

All parts of this plant, including the seeds and root ball, are toxic.

Signs of illness first appear about 12 hours after ingestion, and include gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

The toxins in the plant lead to severe liver failure with progressive weakness, jaundice, bruising and bleeding, and other signs of liver failure that can result in death.

It is estimated that 75 percent to 80 percent of animals ingesting this plant will die in spite of aggressive medical treatment.

If you have one of these plants in your home you will want to be sure to keep it away from pets and children, preferably by disposing of it safely in a covered trash can, or "rehome" it with someone who does not have pets or young children in the household.

FOUND: Tabby cat

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:23:35 -0500

Is anyone missing this gorgeous kitty?

The cat that showed up on someone's doorstep Sunday evening at Deamerlyn Drive and Pleasant Valley Road in Springetts Oaks development in East York.

The person who found the cat said she is very friendly with a great disposition.

"You could not ask for a better cat, it even listens to us such as stay and no," the finder wrote.

If you know where this cat belongs, call 717-887-9668 or e-mail velo17@comcast.net; or e-mail ann@heavenlypawsshelter.com.

Mama cat and kittens threatened

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:13:41 -0500

A local shelter has received a call for help for a mama cat and three kittens about 7 weeks old who live in a neighborhood where the neighbors are being mean to them and threatening to shoot them.

The caller's husband has cancer and the couple is leaving Monday (June 29) for Johns Hopkins, where they'll stay for 4 to 6 weeks, which means the cats will then have nobody to take care of them.

Does anyone have room for these sweet babies before something bad happens to them?

If you can help, call Dixie Heller at 717-848-5058.

LOST: Chocolate Labrador

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:57:28 -0500

A chocolate Labrador named Chip was lost in Penn Oaks, Windsor Township.

Chip is not neutered and was wearing a purple collar.

If seen, call the Mansfields at 717-324-6345.

How I spent my summer vacation: Day 5

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:14:12 -0500

About 3:30 a.m. Saturday, my Maine Coon lookalike, Yukon, started howling when he was in the litter box. Not a good sign. Yukon is prone to urinary blockages; he had two major ones before, and one partial blockage.

I gave him an amoxytab, which sometimes helps if I catch it early enough, and I called his vet as soon as possible in the morning. They said to bring him in at 10:15 a.m.

The vet said Yukon didn't seem to be blocked by the time we got to the office, but gave him some metacam and zenequin and some subcutaneous fluid.

After we got home, Yukon seemed to be feeling better. I went to Dover to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity's Women Build for a few hours, and when I got home, Yukon seemed to be his old self again.

But at about 11:30 p.m., he was really in bad shape.

Of course, since it was near midnight on a Saturday night, the only option was the Animal Emergency Clinic. Ouch! It costs $75 just to walk through the door of the clinic, and whatever treatment you get is usually way more expensive than the regular vet. But urinary blockages can be fatal, and there's no way Yukon could wait until Monday morning.

I got to the emergency clinic at about 12:15 a.m. They took Yukon to the back right away, while I was filling out the paperwork. Then I sat in the waiting room until about 1:30 a.m., when they called me into an exam room.

Yukon was going to have to spend the weekend at the clinic, hooked up to IV fluids and a catheter. Also x-rays, bloodwork, anesthesia, etc. Cost: between $1,500 and $1,750.

Later, at home, I checked on the kittens in the cage. The one black-and-white kitten lunges and spits at me whenever I get near the cage. The other one hisses, but nothing that extreme. This could take a while...

How I spent my summer vacation: Day 4

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:04:04 -0500

I haven't heard anything from the stray cat's owner, so I'm assuming they don't want to use the spay appointment I had set up at Animal Rescue.

I saw Lucy "flirting" with Chuckie, and he was trying to mate with her. So far, she's smacking him, but I don't like where this is heading.

I think I'll use the spay appointment at Animal Rescue for Lucy. But that means I should catch all the kittens before her appointment, so they're not out there on their own while she's recuperating.

After dark, I went "fishing" for kittens with the string toy. After about an hour and a half, one finally came out far enough while chasing the string that I could grab him. (I say "him," but at this point that's just a guess.) It's one of the black-and-white ones.

When I grabbed him, he meowed, and Lucy came running at me, growling. I had to put the carrier between me and her, and back away from her until I got to the door.

Later, I went out again and caught the other black-and-white kitten. Again, Lucy came running at me, growling. But then she ran under the porch, probably to protect the ones that were left.

I put both of the kittens I caught in a large cage in what used to be my office. It's a cage with shelves for the kittens to climb up on. Hopefully, they won't have to be in there for long, just until they calm down enough that I can work with them to get them used to people so they can find homes.

They're really cute! Any takers? (Photos to come later.)

How I spent my summer vacation: Day 3

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:48:21 -0500

Off and on, throughout the day, I went out to try to make friends with the kittens. I figure if I spend enough time out there, they'll get used to me and won't run away.

I discovered their mama cat, Lucy, LOVES french fries -- especially from Sonic. After I gave her 3 or 4 fries, she actually let me pet her for the first time. Hmmm... maybe, if I can get her to like me, the kittens will let me pick them up eventually.

Later, Chuckie came looking for a meal. He's a big black-and-white male cat I've seen around occasionally.

Then I saw him under the porch with Lucy and the kittens. I was worried he might hurt the kittens, because sometimes male cats will kill kittens. But the kittens were crawling all over him, and he would occasionally lick their heads. So I guess they're one big happy family.

Two of the kittens are white with black spots, just like Chuckie. Two others are calicos, just like Lucy. And the fifth one is white with orange spots.

I really have to catch the kittens soon. They're starting to get more playful, and chase each other around the yard -- sometimes, toward the street. So far, they stop before they get there, but they're getting bolder each day.

Later

Good news! The two boys who brought the stray cat to my house yesterday came back to say they've found the owner. The owner has a broken foot, so a neighbor came down to pick up the cat for her. I warned her the cat might be pregnant, and told her they could have to spay appointment I had set up at Animal Rescue if they want it. She said she'd tell the owner.

I've started using a string to entice the kittens out from under the porch. They come partway out, but if they get too close to me, Lucy "trills" to call them back. And once, she put her paw on a kitten's forehead to hold him back!

Dusty's owners lost their home

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:45:23 -0500

GoldHeart Golden Retriever Rescue's Pet of the Week is Dusty, a 12-year-old Golden retriever who found himself homeless when his owners lost their home.

Although he has a fatty tumor on his forehead that won't be removed because of his age, he has gotten a clean bill of health.

Dusty is reliably housebroken, ignores cats and gets along with other dogs. He's been around children from 2 to 15 years old, and will just go lie down if they bug him too much.

If you want someone who will swim with you and go for walks, Dusty is your boy.

For details, e-mail foster@goldheart.org. An adoption application is available at www.goldheart.org.