Posts Tagged ‘Bent Tree’

This kitten could pose a life threatening danger

Most of us love cute little puppies and kittens.  And often we find ones that seem homeless that we want to help. The problem is that when we find one we don’t know where it has been or what this little bundle of it has been exposed to in the past. We never think that this little bundle of fur can potentially be life threatening. Check out this posting in a local paper regarding a people we would consider as wonderful for help[ing a little kitten. The problem is, this small act of kindness could have been life threatening.  The kitten above was found in Ontario and when taken to animal control was identified,  tested, and confirmed as rabid. It looks cute, and the hidden danger was identified, but not before this bundle of fur bit two children and a parent who had to undergo post exposure rabies treatments.

The article below was in in the Pickens County Progress this year.

Rescued” kitten exposed Cherokee County family and vet assistant to rabies

Canton (GA) June 24, 2010 ~ Cherokee County Environmental Health officials reported that a stray kitten picked up by a family residing on Lake Circle near the Cherokee/Cobb County line recently tested positive for rabies. Members of the family and a worker at a Cobb County veterinarian clinic were exposed to the kitten prior to rabies testing.
Officials said the kitten had been “rescued” by the Cherokee County family on June 2, 2010, and it seemed sickly, so they took it to a nearby animal clinic in Cobb County on June 3. While being treated at the clinic that day, the kitten scratched a veterinarian technical assistant.
“Due to the kitten’s illness, it was euthanized, and I was called about shipping the head to the [Georgia state] lab,” stated Glen Gordy of Cherokee County Environmental Health. “However, the bite occurred to a person in Cobb County; therefore, I advised the veterinarian’s office to call Cobb County Animal Control.
“I was then notified on June 8 by Cherokee County Animal Control that the test on the kitten came back positive for rabies, and it was at that time I learned that the family from Cherokee County had been exposed to the kitten. All people exposed are seeking rabies treatment at a Cobb County hospital and residents in the Lake Circle area were notified to contact us if they believe they were exposed.”
To avoid rabies exposure, residents are urged to stay away from unfamiliar animals and to make certain all pets and livestock are current on their rabies vaccinations.
The recommendation for a possible rabid animal bite is to thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water, and then seek immediate medical attention with the following information on hand:
· The geographic location of the incident
· The type of animal that was involved
· How the exposure occurred (provoked or unprovoked)
· The vaccination status of any pets involved
· Whether the biting animal can be safely captured and tested for rabies

For more information about rabies and its prevention, call Cherokee County Environmental Health at (770) 479-0444 or log onto www.cdc.gov.

(http://pickensprogress.com/articleinfo.asp?Link=2207)

There are other stories like this as well.  Check out the one below.

http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2009/07/articles/animals/cats/kids-exposed-to-rabies-from-stray-kitten/

Please use caution and think abbout the potential consequences before handling a stray animal whether it is cute or not.  If you have a pet be sure to get it vaccinated  for your safety, your family’s safety, and the safety of your pet sitter.

July 4th petDeclare Independence from Missing or Injured Pets

Los Angeles, CA – Firework displays and parties are American traditions on the Fourth of July, but pets can sometimes be startled by all the commotion of visitors and loud noises. Every Independence Day shelters fill with lost and injured pets. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Los Angeles (spcaLA) recommends taking these simple precautions to keep your pet happy and safe this July 4th:

  • Dogs and cats should be microchipped and wear current ID tags at all times. This is the best way to ensure a happy reunion if your pet goes missing.
  • Keep pets safe and secure inside your home. Loud noises from fireworks, can cause a dog to jump a fence and run away from home or a cat to hide for days. Keeping your pet indoors and secure will also keep them from dangerous roadways.
  • If you’re hosting a party, keep your pets in a cool, well-ventilated room with a radio playing softly in the background. Include your pet’s favorite toys and pet bed for comfort. Do this as well if you are going out but your pet is staying in.
  • Do not tie your dog up outside to keep him/her from escaping. The loud noise from the fireworks can frighten your pet making them more likely to attempt to flee. Dogs can seriously injure themselves, or even die, trying to escape.
  • Educate children to not scare pets with firecrackers or sparklers.

Backyard barbeques are fun for the family, but dangers lurk for curious pets. Keep alcoholic beverages, lighter fluids, matches, and insect repellents like citronella candles away from your pets; each can be toxic or deadly when ingested or inhaled. If your pet requires sun protection, only use sunscreens intended for animals. Some foods are toxic for dogs like chocolate, onions, tomatoes, avocadoes and grapes. Cooked bones can splinter and be fatal.

Follow these precautions for a festive Fourth of July!

(http://spcala.com/newsreleases/2010/julyfourth.shtml)

Pet Place Logo

By: Irreverent Vet

(http://www.petplace.com/dogs/the-irreverent-vet-speaks-out-on-dog-breeds-that-are-bad-with-cats/page1.aspx)

Our customer service department gets a lot of email from dog lovers about every type of question you can imagine about dogs.

Recently, they forwarded some emails they thought were suited to me, the Irreverent Veterinarian. They knew that I would speak the truth regardless if pet owners or other veterinarians liked it or not.

Greyhound

Greyhound

The email that I’ll address today is…

Dear PetPlace – I am a cat lover and my husband loves dogs. We have two cats that we adore and he really wants to add a dog to our family. My neighbor has a dog that recently killed a neighborhood cat that just makes me sick. I’ve asked a few people about which breeds are bad around cats and have not gotten a good answer. Can you give me your thoughts?

So…What dog breeds are especially bad or aggressive to cats?

To be honest, any dog has the potential to be good or bad around cats.

The dogs that are best around cats are dogs that are not predatory and were raised around cats. Especially, dogs raised and socialized around lots of different cats, including your cats.

Many dogs will be good around cats that they know. If a dog is raised with YOUR cats, they are often good with YOUR cats.

However, (this is important!) many dogs they have learned to accept and are good with your cats may be TERRIBLE around other cats. I know of several dogs that live with cats and are considered great with them that have killed other cats that come into their yards. I’m not sure if they don’t recognize these new animals as cats or they see them as prey to kill (especially when the cat runs).

If you adopt a puppy, you can socialize him around your cats and he will learn to live peacefully with them in most circumstances. It is always best to slowly introduce cats and dogs and do it while supervised. As you train your new dog and you encounter a new or different cat, carefully supervise the interaction and praise him when he behaves well.

If you choose an adult dog – many times their history may make it difficult to know how they are with cats. Some dogs chase anything that runs.

Which breeds are associated with being particularly bad?

  • Greyhounds are particularly bad with cats. I suppose their training to chase the rabbit and then seeing a running cat makes it a difficult temptation. They have big mouths and long sharp teeth that can be lethal. This does not mean that ALL greyhounds are bad with cats but their instincts are generally not an ideal choice in a cat-loving household.
  • Pit Bulls can be very bad with cats. I know they can be great dogs but I have probably seen more cats killed or seriously injured by pit bills than any other breed. I just talked to a friend that is an emergency veterinarian and asked him his opinion on dog breeds that are aggressive to cats. He said in the past month – he saw three critically injured cats (two of which died)– all from pill bulls.
  • Jack Russell Terriers (recently their name has been changed to Parson Russell Terriers) seem to “enjoy” the chase and have injured or killed many cats.My Final ThoughtsAny dog can be good or bad around cats. Introduce any new dogs to your cat-loving household slowly and while supervised. Always ensure your cats have an “out” or a place to be safe and get away from the dog.That’s my opinion and that’s all I’ll say.

Feel free to disagree or give me your thoughts. Email me, I’m curious about what you think.

This article prompted several emails from dog and cat owners. To be balanced, I’d like to share some of those comments with you. To read these comments, go to: Owners Comments About Dog Breeds Bad with Cats.

Disclaimer

The Irreverent Vet is a columnist that regularly contributes to PetPlace.com. The goal is to add a balanced and alternative view of some controversial pet issues. As happens with all of us, veterinarians can’t say what they really think without offending some clients. This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, and the opportunity to consider another view. All opinions are those of the Politically Incorrect Vet and not the views of PetPlace.com and are not endorsed by PetPlace.com.

Dog swimming in flooded area

Dog swimming in flooded area

If Disaster Strikes, Do You Have a Plan?

Special Thanks go to John Owens, Peace of Mind Custom Home and Pet Services Inc., Gastonia, NC, and Robin Wakefield Wheeler, Noah’s Ark Pet Sitters of Savannah, GA, for their contributions to this article.
Be Prepared with a Disaster Plan

The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. As a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives. Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their loss, injury or death. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

1 Have a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of state health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster.

So plan ahead! Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

2 Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you’ll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily. The following list contains some great suggestions.

Pet Disaster Supplies

Your plan of action for all of your pets should include, but not be limited to the following:

• Crates. Each pet should have its own kennel/crate with a photo on the crate. On the bottom or back of the photo, write the pet’s name, sex, and either your name and phone number(s). The pet carrier/crate should be large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around in.
• Bowls. Each pet should have its own food/water dishes. Have their names written on the bottom of each bowl.
• Information. Have a file on each pet containing health history and vaccination dates. Should you be required to take the pet to a shelter or animal-friendly hotel with you, this information will be required.
• Containment. Have a leash and collar with all pertinent information on the tags readily available. This will include pet’s name, rabies tag and contact phone number.
• Food and Meds. Have an ample supply of food and medication for the pet with specific feeding and medication instructions written out in clear handwriting. If the pet tends to be anxiety ridden during storms or car travel, ask your veterinarian for a prescription of sedatives to carry in the pet’s personal belongings bag.
• Pack Enough. Remember that you can not predict Mother Nature. You may be evacuated much longer than you had originally thought. Pack enough supplies for an extended stay. If you don’t need them, great! You can keep them on hand in case of another emergency situation.
• Do Your Homework First. Locate the area evacuation shelters and pet-friendly hotels in and around your state. A great source of information on this is the Web site http://www.petswelcome.com. Call ahead and find out availability and make a reservation if needed.

Most shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Be one of the first to arrive and give the pets plenty of time to settle in while you are there with them. Remember, this is a new experience for them in a strange place with strange people and it may take a while until they become familiar with the smells, sights and sounds of their temporary home. Keep pets on leashes at all times.
• Strange Surroundings. During or after a natural disaster, a pet’s behavior can temporarily change. Packing a muzzle and harness is a good idea in case behavior becomes less than desirable for the place you are staying. The pets may be put into close contact with many new pets they do not know and they may have to be cared for by people they do not know.
• Be Prepared for Accidents. Pack your car with flashlights, batteries, trash bags, baby wipes, newspapers and paper towels in case the pets either get sick or go potty while in their crate.
• Know Your Resources. Learn as much as possible about hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Familiarize yourself with your area FEMA staff. They can provide you with a wealth of information concerning the area you reside in and what to expect in various types of disasters and the area’s evacuation plan.
• There is always the possibility that you and your pets may become separated during a disaster situation. Because of this you should familiarize yourself with the AKC Companion Animal Recovery Program (CAR). This program is dedicated to providing 24-hour recovery services for microchipped and tattooed pets that are enrolled in the CAR database.

Learn more about AKC’s CAR Program at www.akccar.org.

Easy as 1 – 2 – 3. Planning for a disaster does not have to be a disastrous undertaking. Remember that a positive, proactive approach is the best plan to make sure everyone and every pet stays calm, cool and collected during an emotionally charged situation.

3 Know What to Do as a Disaster Approaches

Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of a disaster, act to protect your family and your pets. Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers.

Don’t leave animals unattended anywhere they can run away. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide and try to escape—or even bite and scratch. And when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult with your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

Reprinted from Pet Sitters International

http://www.petsit.com/how-to-create-a-disaster-plan

Safe at home on the sofa

Safe at home on the sofa

Your pets deserve the best and many times moving them to the loud, unfriendly environment of a boarding kennel can cause more harm than good, especially if they are elderly. Pets are most comfortable and thrive in their own environment, with their own familiar smells, sights and routines. And what boarding kennel takes snakes, hamsters or birds?

What’s the alternative? Professional In-Home Pet Sitters! When you call us, Choices Pet Sitters will assign you a pet sitter and schedule a “Meet and Greet” at a time convenient for you. Your assigned pet sitter will come to your home to introduce themselves and our services, and meet you and your pets. You get to see how your sitter and your pets will get along while you are away, and ask any questions you may have about our services. Your sitter will have you fill out important forms to let us know a little more about your pets, what you want us to do if there is an emergency, and to let you know a little more about what our services and policies are.

It’s as simple as that. You can schedule the “Meet and Greet” at any time. We keep your information and keys on file in case you have to leave town suddenly or need us to take care of your pets in case you are delayed somewhere and can’t get home. Just give us a few hours notice for one visit or at least two weeks, if you can, if you need our services for a few days.

Now you never have to worry about rushing home and transporting your pet to a boarding facility again. We are your pet concierge service! How easy is that?

www.SmartChoicePetSitters.com

Choices Pet Sitters

Licensed – Bonded – Insured

Member of Pet Sitters International, Professional United Pet Sitters, The Humane Society of the United States, and the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce.

We serve Pickens and Cherokee Counties in North Georgia including the cities and areas of Jasper (30143), Talking Rock (30175), Bent Tree (30143), Big Canoe (30143), Tate (30177), Nelson (30151), Ball Ground (30107), Canton (30114). Call today to schedule your “Meet and Greet” appointment. We look forward to helping your pets feel comfortable and happy while you are away.

Safe at Home - Professional Pet Sitter

Hello world

Hello from Ms. Kitty

This is what we imagine new puppies and kittens are saying when they first come into the world. They may not know it, but they are in for some exciting times.

If you have a pet you know how special (and silly) they are. To some, they are your “kids” and you would do anything for them. Here on the Choices Pet Sitters blog we hope we can offer you a source of information, laughs, and fun. As a Professional Pet Sitting service here in North Georgia since 2005 we offer pet sitting, dog walking, and small pet taxi services to clients in Jasper, Talking Rock, Bent Tree, Marble Hill, Big Canoe, Tate, Ball Ground, and parts of North Canton. We appreciate your pets almost as much as you do and we hope to offer you a source of pet information you can use.