See story here http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/06/12/0612dogs.html
To see dogs and cats available for adoption at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter click here
austindogandcat.com
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
PET POISON ALERT: COCOA BEAN MULCH CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGS
Cocoa Bean MulchIf your dog likes to spend his summer grazing in your garden, his treat-seeking nose may lead him to one danger in particular: the sweet-smelling, but potentially harmful cocoa bean mulch. Made of cocoa bean shells and considered desirable for its eventual degradation into organic fertilizer, this gardener’s choice can be toxic to canines if eaten in large quantities—and some dogs have been known to eat amazing amounts!
In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 26 cases of cocoa bean mulch ingestion—a third originating in California. “Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and APCC Director, “but like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.”
Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains residual amounts of theobromine—a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs.
Treatment includes administering medical-grade activated charcoal, bringing tremors under control, cardiac monitoring and preventing further exposure.
“One key point to remember is that some dogs, particularly those with indiscriminate eating habits, can be attracted to any organic matter,” says Dana Farbman, APCC Senior Manager, Professional Communications. “Therefore, if you have a dog with such eating habits, it’s important that you don’t leave him unsupervised or allow him into areas where such materials are being used.”
To avoid contact, pet parents should consider a nontoxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. These will keep your pooch—and your garden—healthy.
In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 26 cases of cocoa bean mulch ingestion—a third originating in California. “Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and APCC Director, “but like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.”
Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains residual amounts of theobromine—a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs.
Treatment includes administering medical-grade activated charcoal, bringing tremors under control, cardiac monitoring and preventing further exposure.
“One key point to remember is that some dogs, particularly those with indiscriminate eating habits, can be attracted to any organic matter,” says Dana Farbman, APCC Senior Manager, Professional Communications. “Therefore, if you have a dog with such eating habits, it’s important that you don’t leave him unsupervised or allow him into areas where such materials are being used.”
To avoid contact, pet parents should consider a nontoxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. These will keep your pooch—and your garden—healthy.
FDA REQUESTS SEIZURE OF PETCO FOOD
At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.
Read story: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01854.html
Read story: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01854.html
SOUTHPAWS UNIVERSITY OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY JUNE 21
To kick off the grand opening of Southpaws University, dog owners and their dogs are invited to attend an Open (dog) House on June 21, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Southpaws Playschool, 2324 S. Lamar in Austin.Instructors will be on hand to talk with prospective students about the classes they offer, there will be goodies for the dogs, and fun for all! Southpaws University will offer a variety of pet related classes taught by instructors with a vast array of experience and expertise in the pet industry. The list of classes currently scheduled include beginner and intermediate clicker training, pet first aid & CPR, obedience training, pet photography, how to choose a dog, making toys for dogs, homeopathy for dogs, and more.
Contact:
Sonya Wilson
Southpaws Playschool
2324B S. Lamar,
Austin, TX 78704
hercules@texas.net
512-440-7529
Contact:
Sonya Wilson
Southpaws Playschool
2324B S. Lamar,
Austin, TX 78704
hercules@texas.net
512-440-7529
Can Animals Predict Disaster?
In interviews with scientists and eyewitnesses, NATURE probes the evidence that some animals may have senses that allow them to predict impending natural disasters long before we can.
View episode: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/can-animals-predict-disaster/full-episode/268/
View episode: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/can-animals-predict-disaster/full-episode/268/
Elizabethan Collar Alternative: No More Plastic Lampshade
This website has a great alternative to the rigid elizabethan collar used to keep dogs or cats from chewing on their stitches. It is soft, attractive, and has a vinyl covering for easy cleanup. They have other products too.
http://www.bonafido.com/page6.html
http://www.bonafido.com/page6.html
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