Household Items

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 13. Lighter fluid

medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)         14. Mothballs

2. Acetaminophen                                         15. Anti-cancer drugs

3. Cold and flu medications             16. Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)

4. Antidepressants                                        17. Flea and tick products

5. Vitamins                                                     18. Drain cleaners

6. Home insect products                              19. Liquid potpourri

7. Rat and mouse bait                                  20. Slug and snail bait

8. Bleach                                                        21. Oven cleaner sprays

9. Diet pills                                                     22. Lime/scale remover

10. Disinfectants                                           23. Fly bait

11. Fabric softener                                       24. Detergents

12. Lead                                                         25.Tobacco products

26. Common Plants

            Aloe                                        Dieffenbachia                        Marble Queen

            Amaryllis                                Dumbcane                             Morning Glory

            Andromeda Japonica           Easter Lily                              Mother-in-law

            Asian Lily                               Elephant Ears                        Mountain Laurel

            Asparagus Fern                    Emerald Fern                                    Narcissus

            Australian Nut                        English Ivy                              Needlepoint Ivy

            Autumn Crocus                      Eucalyptus                             Nephthysis

            Azalea                                    Ferns                                      Nightshade

            Belladonna                             Fiddle-leaf Philodendron      Oleander

            Bird of Paradise                    Gold Dust Dracaena Panda

            Bittersweet                            FloridaBeauty                       Peace Lily

            (American and European)   Foxglove                                Philodendron

            Black Locust                          Glacier Ivy                              Poison Hemlock

            Branching Ivy             Gladiolas                                Precatory Bean (rosary pea)

            Buckeye                                 Golden Pothos                      Privet

            Buddhist Pine                        Heavenly Bamboo                Red Emerald

            Caladium                               Honeysuckle                          Rhododendron

            Calla Lily                                Hurricane Plant                      Ribbon Plant

            Castor Bean                          Hyacinth                                 Sago Palm

            Ceriman                                 Hydrangea                             Satin Pathos

            Clematis                                 Iris                                           Schefflera

            Cordatum                               Jerusalem Cherry                  Striped Dracaena

            Corn Plant                              Jimson Weed                        Sweetheart Ivy

            Cycads                                   Kalanchoe                             Tulip

            Cyclamen                               Lantana                                  Water Hemlock

            Daffodil                                   Lilies (all Lilim species)        Wisteria

            Day lily                                    Lily of the Valley                    Yew

            Devil’s Ivy                               Lupine                                    Yucca

Harmful Foods

27. Avocados                                                35. Alcoholic Beverages

28. Chocolate (all forms)                              36. Moldy/spoiled foods

29. Coffee (all forms)                                    37. Salt

30. Onions and onion powder                     38. Fatty Foods

31. Garlic                                                       39. Gum, candies, and other foods

32. Grapes                                                            sweetened with xylitol

33. Raisins                                                     40.Tea leaves

34. Macadamia nuts                         41. Raw yeast dough

Objects

42. Balls (especially balls that are               51. Nylons

 small or have a smooth outer coating)       52. Paper clips

43. Batteries                                                  53. Plastic wrap

44. Bread twist ties                                       54. Socks

45. Buttons                                                     55. Rubber-bands

46. Coins                                                       56. Sharp objects (Knives, razors,

47. Cotton swabs                                                scissors, nails, needles, etc)

48. Glass                                                        57. String, yarn, or dental floss

49. Hair Pins                                                  58.Towels

50. Jewelry                                                     59. Wax

Trouble areas

60. Balconies- tall balconies without safety railings, or railings spaced too far apart, can lead to a

dangerous fall.

61.Bathtubs or sinks- small pets can drown in full bathtubs or sinks

62. Doors and windows- dogs and cats can run away if they find an open door or window.They can also get seriously injured if they run across a busy road. Windows should have screens to prevent

cats or other pets from falling.

63. Electrical cords- Your pets can be electrocuted if they bite or chew on electrical cords that are plugged in.

64. Fireplace- your pets can be burned by the flames or get sick it they eat the ashes.

65.Toilets- toilet water is not healthy for pets to drink; always remember to close the lid. Make sure you leave plenty of clean, fresh water for your pets if you must leave them home alone.

66. Washer and dryer- your pets can crawl into a washer or dryer without your knowledge; close the doors to these appliances when you’re not using them.

Outside

67. Algae- can be found in ponds or other bodies of water; certain forms can be toxic

68. Antifreeze/coolant- some types of antifreeze or coolant products contain ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

69. Fire pit/grill- Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.

70. Fences or gates- your pets can run away if they find openings in damaged fences or gates.They can also get hurt or strangled if they get stuck.

71. Deck lattice- your dogs or cats can get stuck in the openings under your deck and possibly strangled

72. De-icing salts- some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested in large amounts. Look for “pet-friendly” de-icing salts

73. Compost (particularly if moldy)

74. Gasoline

75. Oil

76. Pesticides

77. Cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer

78. Swimming pools and hot tubs- never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim

Holiday Hazards

79. Alcohol- alcoholic beverages are toxic to pets and should never be given to them during the holidays or any other times.

Valentine’s Day

80. Flowers and candy- many types of flowers and plants found in bouquets are harmful to dogs and cats if they are ingested. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures, and in sever cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.

Easter

81. Fake grass- this colorful “grass” may look appetizing to your pets, but it could cause them to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested.

82. Small toys and other plastic items- if swallowed, small toys and plastic easter eggs can cause your pet to choke or even damage their intestinal tracts.

4th of July

83. Fireworks- fireworks can scare your pets making them run off, or cause serious injuries if detonated near them. Many formulations are also toxic if ingested.

Halloween

84. Repeatedly opening doors to greet trick-or-treaters can increase the chances of your pet running out. Keep an eye on their whereabouts at all times. If feasible, keep cats in a secure area or closed room when opening doors.

85. Candles- pets are naturally curious, and may be attracted to the bright lights of the flame in dark areas. Dogs and cats could either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candle over, starting a fire.

86. Xylitol- Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic and should be kept away from your pet.

87. All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your pet, potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content.

Thanksgiving

88. Bones-Turkey, chicken, and other small animal bones are very different from the large bones you find at the pet store.These small bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed, so NEVER give them to your pet.

89. Hot containers- your dog or cat will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that your pet does not tip them over and get burned.

Christmas

90.Holidayplants- Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe are all toxic to dogs and cats.

91. Ribbons- It may look adorable, but placing ribbon around your pet’s neck may cause them to choke

92. Bubbling lights- Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.

93. Fire salts- contain chemicals that could be harmful to pets

94. Angel hair (spun glass)- Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts

95. Christmas tree water- stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.

96. Decoration hooks- Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed

97. Styrofoam- can cause your pets to choke if swallowed

98. Ornaments- these can look like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.

99.Tinsel- Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed

New Year’s

100. Balloons and confetti- these fun New Year’s party decorations can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested. Keep an eye on your pets when they’re around these items or move them to an area that is not decorated.

101. Loud noises- New Year’s is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten pets and can cause them to run off. Keep your pets in a separate room, away from noisemakers, music and other loud sounds that may startle them.

By Kelley Dion

 It is important not to overload your pet’s stomach during travel.  Feeding your pet smaller, more frequent meals can decrease the chance of car sickness.  Plan out a routine in advance so you know when to stop and feed your pets during travel.  When in the car, only feed your pet ¼ of their normal meal at a time. 

 When preparing for a trip, measure out your pet’s meals, and include a couple of extra day’s worth.  Make sure food is where your pet can’t get to it.  If you have a gulper, try to slow down their eating when traveling by:

• Feeding by hand
• Putting large, smooth rocks in his dish
• Feeding him out of a muffin pan

Try to keep his feeding schedule and routine as close to normal as possible.

 Air Travel

 The USDA requires that your pet be offered food and water within 4 hours before check-in.  A full stomach can be uncomfortable and make them more likely to get sick, so many groups recommend feeding right at the four hour mark.  Offer water right up to the time of travel.

 Make sure you have dishes in your pet’s carrier so an airline employee can offer food and/or water.  Airlines set their own rules on how much food and water to include with your dog.  Check their policies before leaving for the airport.

Disease Prevention Quick Tips for Outdoor Enthusiasts

• Avoid camping/backpacking/hiking if you are feeling ill or if your animal companion is ill. People and animals are more prone to disease if their immune systems are weakened by other illnesses or conditions.
• Keep your outdoor gear (including tents, netting, sleeping bags, etc.) in good condition and repair or replace damaged items.
• Take precautions to minimize insect bites.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer immediately after handling animals, soil, equipment, or food.
• Wash tools, cooking equipment and working surfaces (including tables and cutting boards) thoroughly with soap and water after use. If contamination with soil or animal feces (stool) is suspected or known, disinfect the equipment and surfaces immediately. Adding a minimum of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water is usually adequate for use as a cleaning/disinfecting solution.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.
• In theUnited States, campers and hikers/backpackers should report any signs of sick wildlife or wild bird die-off to the state’s game and fish agency or wildlife agency.
• Make sure your animal companions are up-to-date on their vaccines, especially rabies, prior to camping/hiking season.
• Consult your veterinarian about proper preventive treatments for your animals, such as heartworm prevention for dogs and cats, and use the products as recommended.
• Consult your veterinarian about regular stool exams of dogs to check them for parasites, including those that can be passed to people.
• Do not allow your dog to eat dead wildlife.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who regularly travel with animal companions should consider getting some basic training in human and animal first aid techniques. In addition, carrying a first aid kit with supplies for humans and animals is extremely important.

To protect your dogs, you should consult your veterinarian, but basic guidelines include:

• Apply topical or systemic tick-control treatments. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate product for your dog.
• If possible, limit access to tick-infested areas.
• Check dogs frequently for ticks or, at a minimum, at the end of each day’s activities.The ticks should be promptly and carefully removed.

To protect your horses, you should consult your veterinarian, but basic guidelines include:

• Apply topical insect repellent products. It is likely you will have to reapply the products regularly, especially if you are traveling through areas with high insect activity.
• If possible, limit access to tick-infested areas.
• Check horses frequently for ticks or, at a minimum, at the end of each day’s activities.The ticks should be promptly and carefully removed. Be sure to check the tail, mane and ears thoroughly for ticks.

Consider the use of insect nets designed to be worn over horses’ eyes and ears to minimize insect bites, but do not consider them 100% effective. If you use these products, you should still check your horses regularly for ticks.

ByThe American Veterinary Medical Association

 Canine distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and, often, the nervous systems of puppies and dogs. They usually become infected through airborne exposure to the virus contained in respiratory secretions of an infected dog or wild animal.  Outbreaks of distemper tend to be sporadic.  Because canine distemper also affects wildlife populations, contact between wild canids and domestic dogs may facilitate spread of the virus.

 All dogs are at risk but puppies younger than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. The first sign of distemper is eye discharge that may appear watery to pus-like.  Subsequently, dogs develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.  In later stages, the virus may attack the nervous system, bringing about seizures, twitching, or partial or complete paralysis.  Occasionally, the virus may cause footpads to harden.  Distemper is often fatal.  Even if a dog does not die from the disease, canine distemper virus can cause irreparable damage to a dog’s nervous system.  Distemper is so serious and the signs so varied that any sick dog should be taken to a veterinarian for an examination and diagnosis.

 Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper on the basis of clinical appearance and laboratory tests.  No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatment consists primarily of efforts to prevent secondary infections; control vomiting, diarrhea, or neurologic symptoms; and combat dehydration through administration of fluids.  Sick dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from other dogs.

 Vaccinations and avoiding contact with infected animals are key elements of canine distemper prevention.  Young puppies are very susceptible to infection because the natural immunity provided in their mothers’ milk may wear off before the puppies’ own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection.  If a puppy is exposed to canine distemper virus during this gap in protection, it may become ill.  Ann additional concern is that immunity provided by a mother’s mild may interfere with an effective response to vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally succumb to distemper. To narrow gaps in protection and optimally defend against canine distemper during the first few months of life, a series of vaccinations is administered.

 Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when taking their pet to places where young puppies congregate (pet shops, parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments).  Reputable establishments and training programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog’s distemper vaccination is up-to-date.

EXPERTS CAUTION AGAINST LYME DISEASE

By Alana Melanson

 Though the tick season may have started earlier due to the mild winter the region has experienced, it does not necessarily mean there will be more ticks later on, experts say.  According to Dr. SamTelford, a professor of infectious diseases atTuftsUniversity’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton, there is no surefire way to predict the cycles of tick populations.  Telfordhas been studying Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses since 1984, and says there is still no predictive model that observations could be plugged into to determine how future seasons will go, despite predictions some are making that this season will be particularly bad in terms of a larger tick population and more cases of Lyme disease.

 Telfordsaid the fall of 2010 was a particularly bad time for ticks because of a number of environmental factors that came into play. For instance, oak trees produced more acorns, meaning squirrels, mice and other rodents were plentiful and able to survive longer through the cold weather, he said, acting as hosts for the ticks and spreading them wherever they scurried.  The amount of moisture available in the environment plays a role as well, he said.  “Ticks require very high humidity to survive for a long time,”Telfordsaid. “That’s why we don’t see ticks on well-groomed lawns.”  With the sun beating down and nowhere for the ticks to hide,Telfordexplained, they can’t survive for long in those hot, dry conditions and will often take shelter where there is more vegetation.

 Someone would have to spend four hours in the center of a lawn, or 20 minutes at the edge of a yard bordering a forest, to be exposed to the same amount of ticks one could pick up from five minutes in the deep woods, he said.  Telfordsaid there are likely to be about 10 times fewer ticks present from noon to 4 p.m., as that is when daytime temperatures usually reach their peak and when it tends to be least humid.

 If May and June are dry, he said, there could be relatively fewer ticks than normal at that time of year. But because no one can accurately predict the long-term course ofNew Englandweather, he said it is best to practice good sense when it comes to traversing through wooded areas.  A large deer population also affects whether there will be a boom in deer ticks,Telfordsaid, and deer are staying closer and closer to suburban areas as development takes over their woodland homes. Retaining a proximity to houses and settled areas also means the deer are less likely to be hunted in those areas, he said.

 According toTomO’Shea, assistant director of wildlife for Mass Wildlife,Fitchburgand its environs tend to be around the state’s deer-density goal of 12 deer per square mile, but east of the area, deer densities are significantly higher.  Some communities further east have experienced a surge in Lyme disease, and as a result have allowed hunting on municipal properties to bring the deer population down, O’Shea said.

 Although ticks can pose quite a problem, that shouldn’t stop people from enjoying walks in the forest,Telfordsaid, adding that they should simply be more vigilant and take proper precautions.  Wear long sleeves and tuck long pants into socks, he said, and spray ankles and shoes with bug repellent. Although most strong repellents with DEETwill work, he recommends permethrin, a chemical used in military uniforms that causes ticks and mosquitoes to die within a few hours of exposure. It is also the active ingredient in most head-lice shampoos, he said.  “What’s even more helpful is to take a shower after walks in the woods,”Telfordsaid, explaining that running water is likely to remove any ticks that have not implanted themselves.  He recommended checking one’s own body for new bumps as well as having a partner check areas that are difficult to see.

 If bitten by a tick, it generally takes an attached tick about 24 hours to transmit Lyme disease and other tick-carried illnesses,Telfordsaid. Only Lyme may boast a bull’s-eye rash, but all will produce flu-like symptoms, including fever and muscle aches, he said, so if those are present, it is best to see a doctor.  If one is worried and does not want to wait until symptoms are exhibited, most doctors will prescribe a single dose of the antibiotic doxycycline to try to prevent an infection, he said.

 If possible, Telfordrecommends taping the tick to an index card and writing the date on it, to show to a doctor later should symptoms arise. Several online resources for identifying types of ticks and other insects are available as well, he said, including www.identifyus.com, a site run by colleagues of his. In addition to Lyme disease, consideration must also be taken for Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis (also called anaplasmosis),Telford said, similar bacterial infections that ticks in this area are known to carry, though to a much smaller extent.

 The vast majority of people with Babesiosis exhibit no symptoms and may go their entire lives without knowing they are infected, provided they remain in good health,Telfordsaid. Only in cases of those with suppressed immune systems or those who lose their spleens due to accidents can the infection become fatal, he said.  The problem that is beginning to arise, however, is that Babesiosis-infected people may donate blood and pass the infection along to those who may not be able to fight it,Telfordsaid, as it is not among screened-for diseases.

 While a Lyme disease vaccine exists for canines, there is not one available for humans,Telfordsaid.  Though SmithKline (now GlaxoSmith-Kline) developed one previously, he said, the company stopped offering it because it was losing money on the product in a time when Lyme disease wasn’t as big a problem as it has become.  As there is no way to ensure zero risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses,Telford said exercising caution, for both humans and animals, is the best way to reduce risk.

 Though people tend to think of the winter months as a safe time from ticks, local veterinarians say it is best to keep pets protected year-round.  “We see ticks on dogs and cats every month of the year,” Dr. Carl Flinkstrom of the Lunenburg Veterinary Hospital said. “One out of seven dogs that walk in this door test positive for Lyme disease.”  At Twin City Animal Hospital in Fitchburg, Dr. Terra Baldarelli said about one in four dogs tests positive.  “We live in an endemic area,” she said. “It’s extremely common here. But it doesn’t mean that they all get sick.”  Only about 5 percent or less of the dogs actually come down with symptoms, she said, but those that test positive do get treated to ensure they do not become sick later.

 Laparoscopy is the newest procedure implemented by Eads Animal Hospital in our endeavor to minimize pain in the medical treatment of animals.  It is a minimally invasive technique used for viewing and operating on the internal structures of the abdomen.  A scope (camera) inserted through a small incision in the abdomen magnifies internal structures on a TV monitor for a more thorough examination.  An additional small incision is made to facilitate the use of surgical instruments.  It offers patients up to 65% less pain, minimal recovery time and far less trauma than traditional spays.  If desired, gastropexy (to prevent bloat) can be performed at the time of spay.

 To apply for our program, please complete one of the application forms below and fax the completed form to (901)867-7388.  You will be notified once we have received your application.  We look forward to partnering with you to help the animals in our community.

FEATURED ARTICLES:

“DR. GOOGLE” NOT ALWAYS BEST FOR SICK PETS

HOPE FOR DOGS WITH STORM OR NOISE PHOBIAS

LEAVE YOUNG WILDLIFE ALONE!

“Dr. Google” Not Always Best For Sick Pets

By Sharon L. Peters, Special for USATODAY

Pets are increasingly being diagnosed and having treatment protocols developed by folks without veterinary training: their owners.  Feeling bolstered by the abundance of advice offered on websites or in online forums — usually by people with a similar lack of training or expertise — owners often are responding to their animals’ ailments, injuries and emergencies by heading to their computers instead of the vet clinic.  And there are sometimes unhappy results, veterinarians across the country say.

“There’s great risk of unnecessary pain, expense or worse,” says veterinarian Marty Becker, who practices in Coeur D’Aleneand Sandpoint, Idaho, and has written several books, including the just-released Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual (Grand Central Life & Style, $25.99).  This ask-a-fellow-pet-owner-online approach has become so common, he says, it’s become “the new normal.”

Becker calls it the “vets vs. Net” phenomenon; veterinarian Nancy Kay, internal medicine specialist at theVCAAnimalCareCenterinRohnert Park,Calif., calls it the “Get Dr. Google’s Opinion” approach to pet care.  And though many veterinarians say they appreciate the Internet because it broadens clients’ knowledge base and presents, for example, cutting-edge options for chronic conditions and support from other owners dealing with the same heartaches, too many people use it as a primary source when they have a sick pet, “and they put things off until it’s too late,” Becker says.  He knows that when a vet says such things, some people assume it’s merely to keep revenue constant. But he often encounters the unfortunate fallout of delays.

Many conditions that make a dog or cat miserable can be quickly and relatively cheaply addressed with a veterinary visit and proper medications, he says. There’s the dog that suffered for six years with feet so itchy he licked and chewed constantly. The owners, concluding it was allergies, used countless anti-itch products and shifted food regularly. Finally, weary of the wee-hours sounds of foot-chewing, they sought vet help. The dog had a “carpet of yeast and staph in his feet,” Becker says. Within 48 hours of being prescribed an antifungal and an antibiotic, the itching disappeared.

Sometimes, though, the veterinary visit comes too late.

A dog arrived comatose at Becker’s clinic after the owners had concluded a minor stomach upset was causing the non-stop vomiting. In fact, he’d swallowed a chunk of carpeting that lodged in the intestine, it ruptured, the abdomen filled with pus, and when they finally sought treatment, the dog couldn’t be saved.

“Sometimes hours or minutes matter,” Becker says.  In fact, a dog’s obvious abdominal distress might not be just an upset belly but an obstruction (that can be fatal if surgery isn’t done in a few hours), bloat (stomach swelling and possible twisting that will kill the dog in an hour without vet intervention), or ingestion of a toxin.

“People are crestfallen when, despite their best — though delayed — intention, and our best — though very late — efforts, we can’t save them,” Becker says.  “Responsibly surfing (the Web) is fabulous,” Kay says, but that “does not take the place of a call or visit to your veterinarian.”

Kay, author of Speaking for Spot (Trafalgar Square Books, $19.95), a consumer guide on how to advocate for your pets, often advises vets at conferences how to help clients use online sources wisely.  “Clients will surf,” she says, and it’s best if vets instruct them how to find reliable sites, so they don’t find and believe information that causes “a prognosis to become bleaker.”

Two tips she offers: “If a site has stuff for sale on it, skip it.” And “when you plug in symptoms, follow them immediately by ‘veterinary school’ or ‘college of veterinary medicine.’ ”

And in an emergency, don’t go first to the computer. 

Hope for Dogs With Storm or Noise Phobias

By Lorrie Shaw,The Community Contributor

 One of the things that I hear from dog owners frequently is that their dogs are frightened of storms. I always ask, “Are they frightened of the storm itself — or the noise of the thunder?”  The responses seem to be about divided right down the middle.That’s interesting, because one would think that the noise of thunder would solely be a trigger for dogs.Then again, canines use all of their senses much more effectively than humans, so there’s a possibility that they pick up on other cues that are a signal to them that a storm is coming.

I had a blackLabradorretriever years ago that was deathly afraid of storms, thunder, and even rain. If he smelled rain, he would retreat to the bathroom and hide in the shower stall; shivering, drooling.  It was so sad.  Our current dogs are much more relaxed when it comes to storms. Bruiser could care less, unless the thunder is really loud. Gretchen, now that she’s older, isn’t fond of the noise of thunder. It seems that the noise to her these days is just different, possibly because of changes in her hearing. Simply keeping her doggy bed next to where we sleep does the trick, along with a scratch behind the ears and a kind word.

 But, not all dogs are so lucky when a thunderstorm makes an appearance.  There have been a lot of solid theories as to what can trigger a pet into an anxious state when it comes to storms — the noise of thunder itself (especially in sound-sensitive dogs), or as Dr. Nicholas Dodman points out — a dog’s ability to sense the static electricity generated during a storm (which evidently is an uncomfortable feeling), sensing barometric pressure or perhaps just an association with a traumatic experience during a storm.

 All of these are pretty valid theories, but what I find is that people are less interested in theories and just want their pets to not be anxious. Not being able to console your dog is a disheartening thing.

There are a few things that have been floated around as effective ways to help combat the stress that our four-legged friends experience during unruly weather:

 Counter classical conditioning: This method is simply based on getting your pooch to associate the noise of the thunder with something good. I wrote about this last summer in a blog post titled, “Storm Treats! Help for dogs scared by storms, thunder and lightning”.

Pressure wraps: Swaddling and deep pressure have been proven to provide both humans and animals a sense of comfort. Temple Grandin, Ph.D. expands on the topic of deep pressure in animals. Some dogs can benefit from wearing a Thundershirt, or a snug-fittingT-shirt.The theory is that the sensation of deep pressure, (in this case a variation of it) around the torso primarily, or swaddling — modulates the central nervous system, producing a calming effect.

Anti-static capes, sprays and softener sheets: The premise of using any of these is to to reduce static build up.  Dr. Dodman has had success instructing owners to spray anti-static spray on their dogs’ paws or swiping them with a softener sheet (I’m not too keen on the latter suggestion, as even the most natural ingredients could be licked off and ingested by your pooch.) Find more about a Tufts University study on a product called Storm Defender here.

T-Touch: An approach first developed for horses by Linda Tellington-Jones, this method is used worldwide to address a number of issues, including noise phobias in canines.

Dog appeasing pheromone: Also referred to as DAP, a synthetic pheromone produced by lactating bitches. Undetectable and safe for anyone outside of the canine species, DAP has been effective in addressing anxiety of various forms for dogs, and can be found in a spray form, a collar that is worn and replaced every four weeks or in a diffuser. You might recall my talking about Feliway, the feline version of the same pheromone. DAP helps to attain an overall sense of well being in dogs.

The great thing about these specific suggestions, they are easy to implement and none of them have side effects. Depending on the severity of your dog’s discomfort when it comes to anxiety associated with storms, you can tailor a plan of action that works by trying one at a time, or perhaps more than one in tandem.

Springtime Caution: Leave Young Wildlife Alone!

From The Salina Journal – Salina, KS

Young animals may seem abandoned but are seldom alone in the wild; “rescue,” however, may kill them.  Spring is a time of rebirth and birth, with trees budding and young wildlife being born and hatched, and different levels of parental care are employed within the animal kingdom, all designed to work without human interference. But one common problem occurs when seemingly abandoned or orphaned wildlife are picked up by well-intentioned persons, often with tragic results.

Mammals such as deer often leave their young to search for food. Deer fawns are born with natural camouflage and little scent, making it difficult for predators to detect them. A spotted coat helps hide young as they sit motionless in surrounding cover. These adaptations make it possible for the doe to move about and feed, maintaining her strength as she provides for her young. Raccoons and other mammals employ similar strategies.

Well-meaning individuals sometimes discover young deer, raccoons, foxes, rabbits, or skunks and assume that they are orphaned or abandoned. Usually, the mother is close at hand but out of sight waiting for the human intruders to leave the area. In this situation, it is extremely important to leave the animals as found in the wild. To pick them up and take them home is illegal, for good reason. Wild animals often have very specific dietary requirements and often die under human care. Those that do survive have little chance of surviving if returned to the wild.

Another reason to avoid picking up wild animals is health. Wild animals carry diseases and parasites that can infect humans or their pets. Dogs, if not vaccinated, may contract distemper from infected coyotes, foxes, or even weasels. Bobcats can transmit a similar disease to domestic cats. Ticks from host animals can expose humans to Lyme disease, and perhaps the greatest danger wild animals pose to humans is rabies. Many animals can carry rabies for several days without showing any outward symptoms.

Pet dogs and cats should also be restrained during the season when young birds, rabbits, and other wildlife are young. Both dogs and cats can be deadly to wild young, no matter how friendly they may seem to humans.  It can be a wonderful experience to see young animals in the wild, but for the benefit of the wildlife, it is important to leave them in the wild, where they are best equipped to survive.