Monday, February 25, 2013

Pet Dangers Hidden in the Medicine Cabinet

You know the old saying, “some of the most dangerous things are found under your kitchen sink?” Well the same can be said about your medicine cabinet, especially when it comes to your pets. Human medications can be left out in plain sight and an easy reach for any curious pet looking for a toy or snack. But these medications that are super helpful for humans can be the complete opposite for pets. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be extremely harmful to your pet’s health if they accidently get into their owner’s bottles. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, “almost half of the calls we receive, involve human medications.” Just in case pet owners are not aware of just how serious this can be, here are some of dvm360.com's examples of human medications that are poisonous to pets.

1. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories). The most frequent medications that are ingested by pets are NSAIDs. More commonly known as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve), these everyday pain medications are safe and effective for people, but very dangerous for pets. Kidney failure and major stomach problems like intestinal ulcers may occur if eaten by pets.

2. Acetaminophen. Another common over-the-counter pain medication is acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). A safe human drug, acetaminophen can do some serious damage to pets. In dogs, it can lead to liver failure, and in cats it can attack their red blood cells, which is especially dangerous. This can lead to breathing troubles and eventually an inability to hold oxygen.

3. ADD and ADHD medications. Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medications (e.g., Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin) can be life-threatening for pets. Small doses of these medications can cause tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures, and heart problems in pets.

4. Antidepressants. Although medications like Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, and Lexapro are occasionally used in treating pets, overdosing can lead to many neurological problems like sedation and seizures. They can also lead to an elevated heart rate and blood pressure if the proper dosage is not used. It is important to remember that if your pet is prescribed an antidepressant, to always follow the instructions given by your vet.
5. Benzodiazepines and sleep aids. Anxiety and sleeping pills (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta) can be very helpful to people who need them. But oddly enough, these pills will have an opposite effect in pets. Agitation, incoordination, and severe lethargy can be the result of a pet ingesting one of these pills, and can also cause liver failure in cats.

For more information and safety tips about poison control for your pets, please take a look at Petpoisonhelpline.com. They also have information on what to do if your pet does in fact get into some of your medications. There is nothing more valuable than your pet’s well being, so take all the necessary precautions to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

We are pleased to have Vin, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Vin is a passionate dog owner. We look forward to sharing his contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Belle's One Month Anniversary!



It's my one month anniversary. It feels like yesterday when I walked into the Morris Animal Inn lobby feeling like my life was about to change. And it really has in a good way! Working on my fitness has been the best thing to ever happen to me! I've met so many new companions – both human and canine.  Let me tell you all about the busy week I had!

With last week being the ‘Week of Love’ leading up to Valentine’s Day, everyone has been very cheerful. The word around the Group Play Yard was that a certain canine thought I was dog-gone cute! I was super surprised when my buddy, Leo asked me to be his Valentine! I was so happy, I couldn't wait to run and tell my girlfriends! 


By the way, did I tell you that I love snow? Check out this video to see how much fun I had in the snow last week!

My training is going great! You should see how fast I am now on the treadmill! I'm still getting used to the Aqua Center but I'm sure I'll be swimming laps with Beckett in no time. 

I had a really good feeling this week when I stepped on that scale. When my Fit Camp Trainer, Lisa said that my weight was down to 118lbs, I couldn’t help but let out an energized bark! I lost 3lbs in one week! That’s a total of almost 7lbs I have lost since I first came to Morris Animal Inn! I knew I was feeling great but knowing that I was able to lose that much, makes me even more motivated for next week! I've been losing about an inch a week around my belly too; at this rate, I’ll have a beach-ready body in no time!

Are you interested in adopting me?
Contact Eleventh Hour Rescue at (973) 664-0865!



Friday, February 8, 2013

Give Your Pup a Special Treat This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and romance is in the air! February is when men and women scurry around in search for the perfect gift that would put a smile on their sweetheart’s face. But what if your sweetheart’s smile had a little more slobber around it than usual? Of course I’m talking about your furry four-legged little darling!

Besides the tons and tons of puppy love we give our dogs all year round, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to give them some extra special treats. But before you run off and give your dog the first tasty treat you see, remember that there are some treats that are harmful and should never be given to dogs, like chocolate and grapes. With this in mind, there are many Dog Approved People Foods that would keep your dog both healthy and super happy. Here are just a few:
1.  Peanut Butter. Popular with almost every dog, peanut butter is not only a good source of protein and nutrients, but it will keep them busy for the day. Stuff some into a Kong and watch your dog go!
2.  Cooked Chicken. Another good source of protein, chicken is some real people food that dogs go crazy for and makes them feel like they’re eating like kings!
3.  Carrots. This low calorie snack is full of nutrition and great for keeping your dog's teeth healthy and strong.  
4.  Pumpkin. A fantastic source of fiber, pumpkin can also do wonders for your dog’s digestive system.
5.  Apple. An apple a day keeps the doctor away! A crunchy snack, apples are not only full of vitamins, but they can also help keep your dog’s teeth sparkling white. Just remember to slice up the apple because the core and seeds can be a choking hazard.

These are just a few great snacks for your dog to enjoy. You should always be watchful of the portion size, to make sure you don’t go overboard with special treats. And if you ever have any doubts about what may or may not be healthy for your dog, please make sure you ask your veterinarian before doing so.
We are pleased to have Vin, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Vin is a passionate dog owner. We look forward to sharing his contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.

Source:
Best Bully Sticks website

Beautiful Belle and her Posse of Playmates

My journey continues! I began my third week of training and I keep getting stronger! Who knew I could have this much energy? Even after a full day of fitness, I still like to romp around at home with my foster brother!

  Belle and Beckett in the Aqua Center
taking a quick break in the Aqua center
I have a new favorite spot to hang out when I visit Morris Animal Inn – the Aqua Center! Beckett, my new Black Lab comrade, has been joining my swim sessions to help get me adjusted to the pool. I haven’t gotten the courage to test the waters yet, but I’m sure I will be doing cannonballs soon enough. Beckett is super popular and she’s been coming to the Inn for a while!

We've become best friends and she’s introduced me to all of her playmates in Group Daycare! She’s taken me under her wing to keep me motivated! Beckett is a great athlete and she encourages me to shed these pounds! 

Gal pals: Belle, Sam & Rosie

I love to mingle during Group Play! Each day I visit, I find new buddies to play with! I made new gal pals: Rosie, an Airedale Terrier, and Sam, a Yellow Lab. During playtime, we play together while the boys zoom around the yard – Girl Power!



My treadmill sessions have been going great! I’ve worked up to running 3mph on the Canine Treadmill! I never dreamed that I could run this fast. Back in West Virginia, the only time anyone saw me running was to find my next meal!

 I’m very happy with my progress for this week! I’m down to 121lbs and measuring 35 inches around my belly! For a bigger gal like me, losing close to 4lbs in three weeks is pretty good! I’ve been training really hard and I keep on slimming down so it must to be paying off! Keep checking back for more updates on how I’m doing with Fitness Camp! 


If you are interested in adopting me, contact Eleventh Hour at 
(973) 664-0865. 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

February is National Pet Dental Month!

Why is dental care for my pet important?
Tartar and gingivitis are two of the most common problems seen by veterinarians. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, loss of teeth and if left untreated, could develop into more serious conditions such as bacterial infections of the heart, liver, or kidneys. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral and dental disease by the age of three. 


Top 3 Tips for Pet Dental Health

1. Daily Brushing: Brushing your pet's teeth helps to remove plaque and slow the development of tartar. When first beginning to brush, be gradual and make it a pleasant experience. It is recommended to use a finger brush and you can eventually add pet toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste). Be sure to reward your pet afterward with play or a nice walk!
2. Diet: What your pet eats affects his smile. Dry foods and treats can help clean plaque from teeth. Real bones can be dangerous for your pet (raw bones, for instance, can scrape and tear internal organs and can easily become a choking hazard) and should not be used for teeth-cleaning purposes.
3. Dentistry: Talk to your veterinarian about annual or semiannual teeth cleaning. A teeth cleaning performed by your vet is the only way to remove tartar build up. Just as you would schedule a cleaning, be sure to calendar in your pet's cleaning as well.

 
Helpful Dental Care Hints
from Morris Animal Inn:
·  Improve your pet's dental health with our Teethbrushing Services at our Grooming Salon and Spa.
·  Keep your pet's breath smelling fresh by using the FreshPet oral hygiene products available for purchase in our lobby! 



Source: Iams Pet Wellness Council. "Top 3 Dog Dental Care Tips." DogTime. Iams Pet Wellness Council, 1 Feb. 2010. Web. 28 Jan. 2013. <http://dogtime.com/dental-care-top-3-tips.html>.



Friday, February 1, 2013

Bloodhound Belle was Born to Run

Belle running on the Canine Treadmill

Hi there. It’s Belle again! I’m between workouts right now and wanted to let you know how I’m doing! I knew it would take some work to get into shape – I guess that’s why it’s called a ‘workout’ – but I never knew I could have so much fun too! No matter what new activity I try at Morris Animal Inn, I  am having a blast!

I’m usually at the Inn three days a week. I am starting to notice the difference in how I feel, both inside and out. Just last week on the treadmill, I was walking at a slow pace. This week, I was actually jogging a little bit! I am doing pretty well if I could say so myself.

I was a little nervous when my friends at Morris Animal Inn suggested I try Group Daycare. The first day, I stayed to myself because I was not sure if the other canines wanted to get to know me but the next time, I took a chance and introduced myself to a few furry fellows. I made so many new acquaintances. I enjoy spending time in Group now with my new playmates but my favorite time of day is spending time on the Trail Runs! There is nothing like being outside to breathe in all of that fresh air.

Belle running in the Front Yard with Morris Animal Inn's, Lisa
When I stepped on the scale last Saturday, I kept my fingers crossed that I had lost some weight. Manner’s and Fitness Program Leader Lisa said I weighed 122.4lbs. I'm proud to say that I've lost 2lbs and one inch around my belly in one week. With my training sessions and healthy meals, I'm losing weight at a great pace. I hope all of my hard work will pay off and I find my fur-ever home! I'm excited to see what the plan is for next week! Keep following my story so I can let you know too!

Interested in adopting me? Contact my friends at Eleventh Hour Rescue at (973) 664-0865.