Urban Wildlife
In Colorado, we live with
wildlife all around us. As suburban sprawl encroaches on wild areas,
clashes between wild animals, people, and our pets become more
frequent. Raccoons and foxes are nocturnal, and may not be seen, but
they serve as a reservoir of diseases such as rabies, distemper, and
leptospirosis. Another threat to our puppies comes from coyotes, and
less commonly mountain lions. Compared to chasing down a deer or
rabbit, a fat, wobbly three-month-old puppy may look like a tempting
midnight snack to an urban carnivore. It is not unknown for a coyote or
fox to lie in wait and snatch a puppy during a late-night potty
sessionóeven with a person standing on the porch watching, and
an adult dog in the yard! Others snatch small dogs right from their
leashes on evening or night-time walks. While coyotes are present all
year, they may be more active in the spring when they have pups, or in
the coldest part of winter when their natural food is less available.
There are several simple steps
one can take to safeguard our puppies
from attack--especially when they are small and haven't been fully
inoculated. Keep the puppy on a leash at all times. Never allow the
puppy loose in the yard until you have thoroughly checked that the gate
is closed and everything is secure. Stay and watch the puppy; don't
leave a young puppy unattended in a yard, even for a few minutes,
especially at night.
Don't leave pet food outside
for wild creatures to snack on--they will not leave your pet alone
because they are 'full' of the food you offer. Instead, they will
become more of a threat by being attracted to your property. Light your
yard with flood lights or
motion detector lights. Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers, and
keep the containers clean so they don't smell and attract wildlife.
Walk
your dog in well-lighted, busy areas and avoid places where coyotes and
fox frequent, like the Highline Canal, greenbelts and streams. If you
meet a coyote or fox
when you're out for a walk, keep your distance and do not approach it.
Keep your dog as close as possible to you on its leash--if it's small
enough, pick it up and carry it. Move as quickly as you can to
well-lighted areas where there are more people present. If the animal
approaches you, throw rocks
or sticks and use a loud authoritative voice to frighten it away. Some
people recommend carrying a can filled with rocks or coins that you use
as a noisemaker. If
you see a coyote or fox in your yard and your pup is inside the house,
crate your puppy so he cannot escape accidentally. Then turn on the
lights and make the intruder know that it is unwelcome. Some coyotes
are frightened away by people yelling and swinging sticks or a broom.
If your puppy is in the yard, do whatever you can to frighten the
coyote and get your puppy back into the house. Wild animals are usually
shy and will run when confronted by people. If the animal seems
friendly or bold, this may be a sign that it is sick. Leave it alone
and call the Division of Wildlife to report the incident.
There is more
information about living with wildlife on the CSU
Extension Website. Click here for
more info on Urban Coyotes.
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4th of July Safety Reminders from the ASPCA
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:
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· 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. |
 SUMMER SAFETY
Summer is time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a
hazardous time for our puppies. Here are a few tips that will help your
pup enjoy
the summer as much as you do!
Never leave your puppy in a parked car, or anywhere he cannot
find shade and water on a hot day. Heatstroke can occur a matter of
minutes.
Symptoms include: rapid, noisy breathing; bright red tongue and mouth;
thick
saliva; vomiting; elevated temperature; an unsteady, staggering gate;
bloody
diarrhea; weakness, coma, and death. If your dog is overheated, move
him
to cooler quarters, such as an air conditioned room. More pronounced
cases
can respond to immersion in cool water. If your dog is in real
distress,
seek emergency veterinary attention at once.
Carry water and a folding bowl with you at all times when you are
socializing your puppy. Be aware of your puppy’s general condition. A
puppy can overexert itself on a hot day and get overheated just running
in the yard or pounding the pavement socializing. Know the symptoms of
heatstroke and stop the activity before it becomes an emergency.
Check the temperature of the pavement before you go out. Hot asphalt
can burn your puppy’s sensitive feet. If the temperature is too hot,
leave your puppy at home in the cool comfort of his crate.
Summer is mosquito season. Be faithful with your heartworm preventive
medication on the first of the month.
Parvo and other transmissible diseases love warm temperatures. Don’t
take a young pup to parks and other places with high dog traffic before
your
pup has finished its entire series of booster shots.
Be aware of your dog's reaction to loud thunderstorms and fireworks and
keep it inside or crated for safety. Remember, raisers need their PRA's
approval before attending professional fireworks displays with their
puppies.
Pesticides, weed killer and fertilizer are sources of potential
poisoning. Be sure to read the labels, and don’t allow dogs access to
treated areas
until it is safe to do so.
Overheated cars can leak coolant or antifreeze that tastes sweet to
dogs—but is deadly. In addition to keeping your own garage free of
these poisons,
be aware that spills may happen in parking lots, and closely monitor
what
your pup may be sniffing or sampling on the way in to the store.
Supervise your pup and keep it under control around hot barbecue
grills, swimming pools, and other potential accident sites. Be aware of
hazards
such as a Kong toy chopped unintentionally to bits by a lawn mower,
those
tantalizing chicken bones from a picnic, garden hose left within reach,
and other items that might tempt your puppy to eat or chew and could
end
up causing a medical
emergency.
 Valentine’s Day
SAFETY TIPS From the ASPCA
Pet-Safe
Bouquets: Many pet owners are
still unaware that all species of lily are
potentially fatal to cats. When sending a floral arrangement, specify
that it contain no lilies if the recipient has a cat—and when receiving
an arrangement, sift through and remove all dangerous flora. If your
pet is suffering from symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting or
diarrhea, he may have ingested an offending flower or plant.
Try this link for a toxic plant
guide.
Forbidden
Chocolate: Seasoned pet
lovers know the potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate,
including baker’s, semi sweet, milk and dark. In darker chocolates,
methylxanthines—caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal,
neurologic and cardiac function—can cause vomiting/diarrhea,
hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The
high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a
life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge,
but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find.
Careful
with
Cocktails:
Spilled wine, half a glass of champagne, some leftover liquor
are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up. Because
animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot
of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central
nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic
disturbances and even coma. Potentially fatal respiratory
failure can
also occur if a large enough amount is ingested.
Life
Is Sweet:
So don’t
let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy
and other treats that include this sweetener can result in a sudden
drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. This can cause your pet to
suffer depression, loss of coordination and seizures.
Every
Rose Has
Its Thorn: Don’t let pets near
roses or other thorny stemmed flowers.
Biting, stepping on or swallowing their sharp, woody spines can cause
serious infection if a puncture occurs. “It’s all too easy for pets to
step on thorns that fall to the ground as a flower arrangement is being
created,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine for the ASPCA’s
Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. De-thorn your roses far away from pets.
Playing with Fire: It’s
nice to set your evening a-glow with candlelight,
but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and nosy
pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended
candles.
Wrap it Up:
Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper,
cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened—if swallowed,
these long, stringy and “fun-to-chew” items can get lodged in your
pet’s throat or digestive tract, causing her to choke or vomit.
The
Furry Gift of Life? Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a
fitting
Valentine’s Day gift—however, returning a pet you hadn’t planned on is
anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them a lifelong
commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else doesn’t always turn out
right. Give a gift certificate for pet adoption, sponsor an animal at a
shelter, or plan a romantic trip to the shelter together.
 Spring
Hazards From the American Veterinary Medical Association:
Fleas and ticks: They can be tiny,
little more than a pinhead in some instances, but
they grow and spread quickly once they find a host. The preventative
treatments that you may have discontinued in the winter should start
early in the spring to keep your
pet's coat, and your home, free of
pests.
Lawn
fertilizers: are very toxic to
pets. Store fertilizers in a place
far from where your dog or cat -- and children-- can get at it. After
applying it to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long
you should wait before allowing your pet into the area. If you see a
sign posted on a lawn that tells you to keep your pets off, abide by it.
Pesticides
and herbicides: It's probably not
surprising that these chemicals can be toxic to your
pets, but, even when they're not lethal, there are some long-term
health concerns. Studies indicate the use of pesticides and herbicides
may be tied to increased rates of specific forms of cancer in dogs. If
your pet is exposed, wash them with soap and water immediately and call
your veterinarian.
Cocoa
bean mulch: It's becoming
common to mulch a garden with the fragrant spent shells
of cocoa beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they
are toxic.
*Lilies:
Lilies are a flower common in the spring, and they are very, very toxic
to cats. Cats will often chew them, and even small amounts can lead to
kidney failure and death.
*Rhubarb
leaves: Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it's a staple in many vegetable
gardens,
but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure. For a
complete list of plants and plantings that can be dangerous to pets,
visit www.avma.org.
Rat
and mouse poisons: Controlling vermin
becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that
the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them
irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these
can be fatal to your animal.
Cleaning
products:
Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make
sure the cleaning products don't hurt your animals. If the label states
"keep pets and children away from area until dry" follow those
instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of
children and pets.
Paint
and paint thinners: If you're putting a
fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets
away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause
severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come
in contact with your pet's skin. Latex house paints typically produce a
minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals
or volatile substances that could be harmful if ingested.
Preventative
medications: Consult with your
veterinarian about seasonal medications to keep your
pet healthy. For example, in many parts of the country, heartworm
medications for dogs are often discontinued in the winter. Springtime
is the season to restart this medication to keep your dog free of this
parasite. But keep in mind that manufacturer's instructions warn that
heartworm medications should not be given without first visiting your
veterinarian to ensure that your pet has not developed the heartworm
parasite.
 WINTER SAFETY
During the winter and holiday season, raisers deck the halls
with "indoor plumbing" (aka Christmas trees), chew toys, and a
wonderland
of snacking choices (from a puppy's-eye-view). Here are a few things
you
can do to keep your puppy out of the proverbial doghouse–and the
emergency
room.
Weather Hazard: Our puppies are inside dogs; they feel the cold as much
as we do. If it's too cold for you outside without a coat, it's too
cold for your dog. Feet, tails, ears and genitals frostbite easily. And
remember, your dog needs water just as much in winter as in summer, so
make sure it has constant access to the water bowl.
Choking/Chewing Hazard: Strings of lights, colorful glass ornaments,
wrapped packages and ribbons can all tempt puppy mouths to stray. Wads
of material or sharp objects ingested can cause damage or a blockage
that can require surgery to remove. Dogs chew to relieve stress, so be
extra vigilant about your puppy's extracurricular chewing activities
during this bustling time of year.
Electric Shock Hazard: The electrical cords associated with holiday
lights tempt a puppy to chew. Keep extension cords away from where the
puppy will have access.
Poisoning Hazard: Holiday goodies like chocolate and greenery like
poinsettias and mistletoe are toxic, as are tinfoil wrapping on candy
and tinsel on the tree. "No people food" goes double at the holidays.
Rich food can bring on digestive woes and worse, so resist the
temptation to give holiday table scraps–even to pet dogs–and put up the
leftovers before your puppy can even begin to think about stealing from
table or counter.
Salt and snow-melt products can be irritating to the feet
and toxic if ingested. If you've been socializing your puppy where
these chemicals are used, wash its feet and undercarriage in warm sudsy
water as soon as you get home to minimize the impact. Of course, even a
taste
of antifreeze can be fatal, so keep it in tightly closed containers
away
from your puppy and clean up any spills immediately and thoroughly.
Watch
out in parking lots that your dog doesn't steal a sip of someone's
spilled
radiator fluid or step in a puddle that he will lick off his feet in
the
car.
Lost Dog Hazard: In all the holiday hubbub it can be easy to lose track
of your dog's whereabouts. Make sure she's securely confined in her
crate or a closed room before the festivities kick into high gear.
Check your dog's tags to make sure they are all there–both GDB and
local I.D.–and that all the information on them is current.
WINTER WALKING
From Jane Smoak
What do you think about when it's cloudy and cold? Got that old cabin
fever? If you are like many people I know, thoughts of Spring are
creeping in. Thinking how nice it will be to walk the dogs once it gets
warmer? Why wait? Winter walks require some planning but can be
rewarding. Don't go if the temperature is below freezing; don't stay
out too long and get really cold. Just a short spin, five to ten
minutes will do. Need a walk on a really cold day? Try the
mall right when they open so it isn't busy yet. You need to consider
your
footing as well as the footing of the puppy you have by your side. It's
also
best to wash the puppy's feet when you get home so that they don't lick
off
any antifreeze or ice melting chemicals. Winter can actually be a great
time
to get out with your dog. There are so many people who want the warm
weather
instead that the dog walker numbers are greatly diminished This means
that
you might have the entire park to yourself and the birds, or at least
smaller
numbers of dogs right now. Winter is great for surface issues as well.
You
can have a dry sidewalk on one side of the street and a snow covered
one
on the other side. There may be puddles and there may be some brittle
ice
that cracks when you step on it. Sure, it may be cold outside, but if
these
pups are going to be guide dogs they will need to be able to deal with
lots
of different types of weather. So, go grab your coat and and a leash
and
enjoy some nice winter walking.
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