Archive for November, 2012
Plastic bag danger to your pets
Billions of plastic bags are produced each year and come in all sizes. Unfortunately, they can cause danger to both children and pets. A dog has about the same judgement as a two year old child. This is according to the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue. Curious dogs an cats can get their heads stuck in a plastic bag and suffocate to death. Make sure that you keep plastic bags away from your pets. Make sure that your garbage is sealed where you curious pet can’t get into trouble. Always be on the safe side. These things can and do happen.
Remember, your pets count!
Dogs in the cold weather
Snow and ice can bother a dogs feet but most medium or large breeds can still go on a run or walk. Here’s a rule of thumb for larger breeds. If you can exercise in the cold without wearing a face mask, your dog should do fine. Make sure to wash your dog’s feet off when he comes inside. Dogs who lick road salt off their paws can develop a skin irritation between their toes. Many large dogs can even stay in the yard on a winter day if they have a dry shelter. Small, short hair breeds may never be comfortable in the cold. These small breed can benefit from booties to help prevent frostbite and protect their paws from sharp ice. No matter what precautions you take, if your dog shivers or becomes listless, get her inside right away.
Remember, Your pets count!
Dog pays the price for owners stupidity
One day, a few months ago, a man was driving with his pet dog in the car. He had his iPad turned on and was looking at it while he was driving. He glanced down and the next thing he new was that he hit the car in front of him. The airbags engaged and hit the man and his Golden Retriever who was in the front seat. The dog freaked out and jumped out the window into oncoming traffic. The owner tried to chase him but lost the dog as he darted through traffic on the busy streets.
Fortunately, a couple found the dog and brought him to a vet who scanned his chip. The owner got the dog back but he was severely injured. The dog made a full recovery. The owner can’t forgive himself and now puts all of his devices in the trunk. This is a little too late since he caused his beloved pet so much injury.
Don’t be stupid! I see so many people driving and talking on the phone, texting etc. You are not only putting yourself at risk but are risking the life of others including our pets! Is it worth it?? Be safe, not stupid!!
Remember, your pets count!
Keeping your pets safe during the holidays
The holidays are fast approaching and some thought and preparation can help keep your pets safe during the holidays. If you put up a tree, try to fasten it with a wire to the ceiling so it can’t tip over. Breakable decorations and electrical wires should not be within reach. Avoid tinsel at all costs! Consider fake holiday plants because, holly, poinsettias and mistletoe among others are toxic to pets. Some of those sweet treats that we love are also very toxic to our pets. They can cause an intestinal disaster. Make sure that all food, candy and alcohol is out of reach. Don’t leave trash around, get it out of reach of your pet right away. Give your dog lots of exercise and keep all pets on a regular routine. These are only small precautions but they can help prevent any unwanted holiday surprise.
Remember, your pets count!
Adopt a Pet today
As we clean up from Hurricane Sandy, our focus is trying to get our lives back to normal as quickly as possible. Adopting a pet falls to the bottom of our “to do” list. There are many shelters that are over crowded with pets just waiting for a good home. At this time in the Northeast, pets are being left there. If you’re life is somewhat back to normal and you were considering adopting a pet, please do it. Here is a list of shelters in the state of New Jersey with links to each.
It’s a great time to accept a new friend into your home. Why not do it today!
Remember, your pets count!
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501 Berlin Road North
Lindenwold, NJ
(856) 435-9116South New Jersey’s No-Kill Animal Shelter : Animal Adoption Center
www.animaladoption.com/The Animal Adoption Center rescues and welcomes abandoned and unwanted companion …
Score: 14 / 30 – 19 Google reviews -
194 State Route 10
East Hanover, NJ
(973) 386-0590Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter celebrating 40 years of caring for …
www.njshelter.org/Providing rescue and rehoming for neglected or unwanted dogs and cats. Offers information on …
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1200 North delsea Drive
Clayton, NJ
(856) 881-2828County of Gloucester: Animal Shelter
www.animalshelter.org/The Animal Shelter now has a new Twitter account, please setup a Twitter account and follow us …
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125 County House Road
Blackwood, NJ
(856) 401-1300Camden County Animal Shelter
www.ccasnj.org/Your generosity ensures that Camden County Animal Shelter is able to continue to save the lives …
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100 United Lane
Teterboro, NJ
(201) 229-4600Bergen County Animal Shelter
www.co.bergen.nj.us/BCAS/REMINDER: Dog license renewals are due in January.The Bergen County Animal Shelter will be …
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9140 Pennsauken Highway
Pennsauken Township, NJ
(856) 663-3058Almost Home Animal Shelter
www.ahasnj.org/Almost Home Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is an animal welfare organization established …
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575 Woodland Rd
Madison, NJ
(973) 377-2295Saint Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center
www.sthuberts.org/Located just steps away from our Madison shelter, you will have the opportunity to run with your …
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260 Wall Street
Eatontown, NJ
(732) 542-0040Monmouth County SPCA
www.monmouthcountyspca.org/Includes a list of available animals, details of abuse reports, news, event schedules, and …
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185 Brick Boulevard
Brick, NJ
(732) 920-1600Jersey Shore Animal Center
www.jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org/Animal Control; Animal Cruelty; Humane Law; Other Local Shelters; How to Find Your Lost Pet …
Cats with locked jaws
If your cat is having trouble opening or closing it’s mouth, and isn’t eating, it’s time to seek professional help. She may have developed a painful gum abcess, a painful respiratory infection, or be suffering from osteoarthritis. Only a veterinarian can make the diagnosis. What your cat probably doesn’t have is Tetnus. or as it’s commonly called, Lock Jaw. Characterized as damage to the central nervous system leading to muscle stiffness, spasms and terrible pain, Lock Jaw is caused by natural curing soil bacteria. Tetnus is often linked to barn yard animals but it’s usually rare in cats. However, the disease is often fatal if not treated. Any cat with Lock Jaw like symptoms, must be examined by a veterinarian immediately.
Remember, your pets count!
Do cats get cold?
In light of the fact that there are still thousands of people without power in the Northeast, and with temperatures dropping to the twenties, we must worry about our cats getting cold. What can we do to keep them warm? You can set up a tent using an old blanket as a canopy held up with a small rod or pole. Put lots of old, thick blankets inside. Your cat will want to investigate and discover that it’s a place where he could snuggle and get warm. You can also put old blankets around the house for your cat to snuggle under. Cats also like to sit on their owners laps. This is also a good way to keep a cat warm. During the week without power my cat Mollie slept next to me under the covers to keep warm.
Many cat owners mistakenly believe that cats can easily handle the cold winter months, as they have fur to keep them warm. But cats can still feel the cold and should be protected from the effects of the chillier weather. Especially if you lose power! Just run your hand over your cats’ backs and you will soon tell that they do in fact feel the cold.
Lets hope that everyone gets their power back soon!
Remember, your pets count!
Preparing a cat for evacuation
This is the first time since Hurricane Sandy struck that I could get on the internet. This devastating storm has affected millions of people. My power was just turned back on late last night but there are millions that are still suffering. Getting gas is still a problem and here in New Jersey, we’re on the odd/even system. People are trying to get their lives back and move on but it will be a very slow process. There are so many stories to tell but I will concentrate on one in particular.
The waters were rising in a home on the Jersey shore. The owners tried to weather it out but they would not have survived if they stayed. When rescuers came to evacuate them, their beloved cat had disappeared. They didn’t have time to look for her and had to leave without her. This is a heartbreaking experience. Cats get very nervous and will do anything to hide it situations like this. The only advice that I could give is that if there is even the threat of a situation where you may have to evacuate:
- Have your cats carrier close at hand.
- Pack a “go” bag for your cat including food, litter, medications, etc.
- Keep your cat confined to a small area like a bedroom or den. This way in the event that you do have to evacuate, you can quickly find the cat, put him in his carrier and get him to safety. He will be fine with food, water and litter in a small area. This is very important to remember. When the water is rising, or the wind is tearing apart your home, it’s too late!!
- Prepare for disaster and have a plan for your cat, don’t wait until the last minute.
What can you do to help the victims of Sandy?
You could donate to the relief efforts by contacting the following organizations:
Red Cross – text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10.00 or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Salvation Army – Text “SANDY” to 80888 to give $10.00 or call 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
United Way – Visit UWSandyRecovery.org to donate to the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund. You can also use your phone to text RECOVERY to 52000 to make a $10.00 donation.
Compassion Fund – at Bergen County’s United Way. Mail to Bergen County’s United Way, 60 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652.
Bergen County – Drop off new clothing, non-perishable food, hand sanitizer, pet food for dogs and cats and gift cards from 8:00am to 6:00PM daily at Community Transportation, 178 Essex Street in Lodi, Margaret of Cortona Church, 31 Chamberlain Ave in Little Ferry and at the Midland Park Senior Center, 46-50 Center Street, Midland Park.
Passaic County – Donate food to the Voluntary Organizations Active in disaster, known as VOAD, from 3:30 to 4:30pm daily at its headquarters at 189 Berdan Ave, Way. Call 973-694-6466 or 973-686-3660 to volunteer.
Any amount will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way.
Remember, your pets count!