Sam Memmolo

Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008
This past year, more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic household substances were reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, proving that many everyday items in our homes can harm pets. Find out what these pet-unfriendly substances are—and avoid an accident in 2009.
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CA, CO, IL, IN, MO, NJ, NY, VT & WA  Residents - ANIMAL CRUELTY Law Pocket Cards AVAILABLE
Animal advocates from California, Illinois, New Jersey & New York -  You can help take a bite out of animal abuse simply by knowing your state's animal cruelty laws.  Now this information can always be at your fingertips, with the ASPCA's 2004 animal cruelty law pocket cards. Excellent resources for local law enforcement, animal control officials and concerned citizens, the tri-fold cards list each state's cruelty laws and penalties, and are available in quantities of 50 and 100. For complete ordering information, visit www.ASPCA.org  or e-mail legislativeservices@aspca.org  feb2005

Products SWEETENED with XYLITOL can be TOXIC TO DOGS
Sugar-free candy & gum may be sweet enough for you, ASPCA News Alert readers, but they can possibly be toxic to your animal companions. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), xylitol  a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gum, candies and other products--can potentially cause serious, even life-threatening problems for pets.

Based on data collected from the 40-plus related cases the center has managed, canines who have ingested significant amounts of gum or candy solely or largely containing xylitol may develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination & seizures. "These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion," says Dr. Eric Dunayer, consulting veterinarian for the APCC. "Therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately."

SHELTER DOGS DOCUMENTARY NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD & VHS
Each year, almost five million dogs end up in animal shelters--but not every dog is safe to place with a family. What if a canine shows aggression, or is a known biter? For two years, HBO filmmaker Cynthia Wade was given unprecedented access to Rondout Valley Kennels and its controversial owner, dog trainer and author Sue Sternberg, resulting in the award-winning documentary Shelter Dogs. And now, due to popular demand, the work has been made available on VHS and DVD. To order a copy, or to find out more about the film, please visit Shelter Dogs online.

CAMPAIGN Launched to bring DOGS OUT OF THE COLD or HEAT
You probably consider your pampered pooch to be a big part of the family. But not all dogs are so lucky. To help raise awareness of the many canines who spend their lives chained or penned outside, Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, is leading a campaign to bring the family dog back into the home. "Dogs Deserve Better stresses the point that dogs are pack animals," explains the ASPCA's Jacque Schultz, CPDT, National Shelter Outreach/Companion Animal Programs Advisor, "and as such will watch over the family better when treated to a more comfortable, companionable life."
For more information about the campaign and how you can help, please visit Dogs Deserve Better online.

THREE NEW WAYS TO FIGHT PET OVERPOPULATION IN GEORGIA
Georgia animal activists, did you know that your home state now has a special fund to help pay for low-cost spaying and neutering?

If your pet is not spayed or neutered--or if you work with a rescue group that routinely has animals altered--contact your veterinarian to participate in the program. If your veterinarian isn't aware of the fund, he or she can call the Georgia Department of Agriculture at (800) 282-5852 for more information.

Get a dog and cat license plate for your vehicle! Plates are available for $25 at county tag offices statewide.

All donations are tax-deductible, and if you are honoring someone with your donation, a card will be sent to the honoree. Contributions can be sent to Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund, PO Box 347043, Atlanta, GA 30334-7043.

IRAQI VETS Receive Emergency Supplies
As part of its mercy mission to help the animals of war-torn Iraq, the UK-based World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) delivered emergency medical supplies to veterinarians in and around the towns of Al Kut and Al Amarah. The doctors, whose facilities were looted, were extremely pleased to see the WSPA team; as one local veterinarian told them, "The supplies will help save the lives of many animals. We have nothing left."

WSPA also planned to deliver a major shipment of veterinary supplies to Baghdad. For more information, and to find out how you can support these efforts, please visit WSPA online.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU SAW AN ANIMAL BEING ABUSED?
To help citizens recognize and report acts of violence and neglect towards animals, the ASPCA is stepping up educational efforts. Thanks to the national exposure that the Humane Law Enforcement department receives on the weekly reality series "Animal Precinct," millions of Americans are becoming increasingly aware of what constitutes animal cruelty. "What people also need to learn from the show is that animal cruelty is a national problem," says ASPCA Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas. "Violence towards animals crosses all racial and socioeconomic lines and reaches from coast to coast."
No matter where you live, you can join in, in this fight. Consider the following tips to make life more humane for the animals in your community:

If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place--examples include stories of neighborhood children torturing cats, blood sports such as cock fighting & dog fighting, & companion animals being denied food, water, shelter & veterinary care--report it to your local humane organization or call your local police. Visit this website to find a Humane Law Enforcement Agency near you.
Interested in taking a more active part in passing humane laws? Check out the ASPCA Advocacy Center, where you can send personal letters to your state and federal officials, urging them to support animal-friendly legislation.
Teach your children well--by making sure that schools in your town include humane education as part of the curriculum. Contact education@aspca.org or visit ASPCA Humane Education online for classroom resources.
Shelter professionals, help promote Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month and check out downloadable materials at ASPCA.org.

PLANNING TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN? ...Read This First
If you're thinking of using cocoa bean mulch to fertilize your lawn, please think twice. Made from spent cocoa beans used in the production of chocolate, cocoa bean mulch may deter slugs and snails, but it also attracts companion canines, who can be poisoned by eating it.

Cocoa beans contain caffeine and theobromine, both chemicals that are toxic to dogs. Depending on the amount ingested, symptoms range from vomiting and diarrhea (that's if about two ounces were eaten by a 50-pound dog) to tremors, seizures and death, if a canine of the same size were to eat nine ounces of cocoa mulch.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten this organic fertilizer, immediately contact your veterinarian or call (888) 426 4435 for 24-hour emergency assistance. See articles on this information at the Cocoa Bean Fertilizer Warning 

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
As the country sees many of its Military Families abroad, the ASPCA, along with the Humane Society of the United States and the National Animal Control Association, urge military personnel to work to keep pets in the family and avoid placing them in already overcrowded shelters. If you know of someone who may be deployed, please direct them these links
Patriotic Pets  /   HSUS Tips  /   Animal Sheltering  /  Military Pet Foster Project  /   PAW Partnership for Animal Welfare  /    ASPCA online

SAFETY TIP...BREAD DOUGH a NO-NO for DOGS and CATS
According to Jill A. Richardson, DVM, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), when bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach.  As alcohol is produced during the rising process, the dough expands. Pets who've eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation and depression.

"We once had a case in which a Labrador retriever ate several rolls that the owner had placed on the oven to rise," Richardson recalls. "The owner didn't think much of this, and was just upset that the dog ate part of the holiday feast. But a few hours later, the owner noticed that the dog looked very lethargic. He was resistant to move, uncoordinated and was retching."

As the dog's symptoms worsened, his owner brought him to an emergency clinic, which contacted the APCC. Unfortunately, the dog's stomach was so severely distended by this time that the only option was to surgically remove the dough; he was also treated for alcohol toxicosis, caused by the fermentation of the dough. The canine was kept at the clinic for the weekend and fortunately recovered.  See Poisonous to Pets

CANINE / FELINE HEALTH ALERT: HOLD the ONIONS, Please
Raw, dehydrated, cooked, or powdered--onions in any form can be dangerous to your dog or cat, say veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Should your pet partake of a toxic dose, thiosulphate in the onions can cause hemolytic anemia, in which the red blood cells are spliced and unable to supply enough oxygen. The minimum toxic dose will vary, depending on the animal's size and sensitivity and the amount and type of onion ingested, but initial signs of poisoning include vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, progressing to lethargy, weakness and difficulty breathing.  Says the APCC's Dr. Jill A. Richardson, "Often the pet owner realizes there is a problem when the damaged red blood cells are eliminated in the pet's urine, which becomes a bright red color."

Poisoning can occur with repeated ingestion of small amounts of onion or with a single ingestion, as was the case with two collie mixes from Philadelphia. The dogs ate some fried onions out of the trash can on a Friday. "By Sunday, the dogs' urine was red--from the free hemoglobin released from ruptured red blood cells," reports Richardson. "At that time the owner brought them into an emergency clinic, thinking the dogs had urinary tract infections."

Upon examination and discussion, exposure to onions was confirmed. The clinic's veterinary staff contacted the APCC for treatment solutions. Says Richardson, "Our recommendations included administering fluids to protect the kidneys, a blood transfusion and aggressive nursing care." The dogs responded and were released later in the week.

Some concerned companion animal caretakers wanted to know more, so we checked in with APCC's Dr. Jill A. Richardson for the answers to their queries:

Q: "Can animals have onion powder as a flavoring in their food?" asks one reader.

A: "Onion powder should NOT be added to your pet's food," responds Dr. Richardson. "And in fact, there was a published report of onion poisoning in cats who were repeatedly fed baby food that contained small amounts of onion powder."

Q: "I read your article about onions, and began to wonder about mushrooms," writes Allison Brownlow, ASPCA News Alert reader and mom to two West Highland white terriers. "Not the poisonous ones we are aware of, but the garden-variety kind found popping up on our lawns."

A: Should your pet partake of fungi from your backyard, cautions Dr. Richardson, "ALWAYS assume that any ingested mushroom is highly toxic until that mushroom is identified by a mycologist. Toxic and nontoxic mushrooms can grow in the same area."

What should you do if you think your animal companion has accidentally eaten onions? Contact your veterinarian or the APCC's animal emergency hotline at (888) 4-ANI-HELP for decontamination help. For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online.

Female Birds, Tool Craftsmen (Craftswomen)  EXPERT Problem SOLVERS
Studies have proven crows to be talented toolmakers and problem solvers. In what University of Colorado scientist Marc Bekoff calls "perhaps one of the most significant studies in animal thinking," researchers at Oxford University presented a New Caledonian crow named Betty with a straight wire and a bucket of food dropped out of reach down a pipe. By using her beak to create a hook in the wire, Betty was able to retrieve the food. No, she'd never seen the wire before, or watched other birds using it--challenging the theory that humans are the only species to make tools out of objects without prior experience.

And Betty earns extra credit in our book, surmounting the odds when Abel, a dominant older crow, made her job even more difficult. In a pre-trial experiment, Betty and Abel were given a hooked wire and a straight one. Abel stole the hooked wire Betty had chosen, leaving her with the straight wire. Undaunted, she wedged the tip of the wire in a crack and bent it with her beak to make a hook. Abel was then ousted from the experiment, as dominant males tend to steal food from subordinates rather than fashion tools of their own. Should Betty decide to rest on her well-deserved laurels, guess he'll just have to eat crow.

USING FLEA-CONTROL PRODUCTS ON YOUR CAT ?
READ THE LABEL FIRST!  also see 'any flea control' below
Attention, cat caretakers! If you are using flea-control products on your pet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) urges you to always follow the instructions on the label--and never use any product that is formulated "for dogs only."

There are more than 18 brands of flea-control products for canines that contain permethrin--just a few drops of which can be lethal to felines. Signs of toxicity, which can develop anywhere from a few hours to two days after application, include tremors and seizures. Most cats will recover with prompt, aggressive treatment, but prevention is the best medicine. Simply use species-appropriate products, follow the instructions on the label, and don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of the proper use of any flea-control product.

If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to permethrin, call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline-- 1  888 4 ANI -HELP --for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on what's toxic and what's not--and what you can do to prevent your pet from being poisoned--visit APCC online.
also see 'any flea control' below

see our Poisonous to Pets page

PILOT TAKES FLIGHT & FIGHTS for RETIRED GREYHOUNDS
Pilot and greyhound rescuer Maggie McCurry embarked on an 8,000-mile series of flights transporting retired racing dogs to adoption groups all over the country. The Great Greyhound Goodwill Air Tour, sponsored in part by the ASPCA, PetsMart Charities, The Ark Trust and the National Greyhound Adoption Program, took McCurry to 25 cities in 18 states. "Many cities with racetracks cannot place all their retired greyhounds locally and rely on groups in outlying areas to locate families who will adopt them," says McCurry. "The airplane works very well for this; we can turn an 11-hour truck ride into an easy 3-hour flight for the dogs."

The ASPCA received a very special delivery, when McCurry brought two greyhound girls, Connie and Jerzey, for adoption. "We are happy to be one of the major sponsors of the tour," says the ASPCA's Jacque Schultz, Director, Special Projects.

The tour received great news coverage, and Schultz even accompanied McCurry and the canines for their appearances on the CBS Early Show and CNN; backstage, says Schultz, "The girls charmed the pants off actress Edie Falco, who couldn't stop petting them."

For more information on the Great Greyhound Goodwill Air Tour, please visit Wings for Greyhounds online.

USING ANY FLEA CONTROL PRODUCTS ?     READ THE LABEL FIRST !
Is your pet bugged by fleas? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) and the Environmental Protection Agency have teamed up to educate companion animal caretakers about the proper use of flea products.

"We receive a large number of calls related to the inappropriate use of flea products in the home," says APCC Director, Dr. Steven Hansen. "In many cases, problems would not have occurred if the pet owner had taken the time to carefully read and follow the label instructions & precautions."

Please check out the following tips for keeping your pets safe and pest-free:

For more information on keeping Fluffy and Fido free from fleas & what you can do to prevent your pet from being poisoned--visit APCC online.

see our Poisonous to Pets page

 BEWARE OF BACKYARD DANGERS!
Even if your pet only goes on a daily romp in your backyard, always be there to supervise--and please make sure your pets stay safe with the following tips from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline-- (888) 4-ANI-HELP --for round-the-clock telephone assistance. If you are unsure of the species of plant ingested, you may need to bring the plant to a nursery for identification.
For more information on what's toxic and what's not--and what you can do to prevent your pet from being poisoned--visit APCC online.

see our Poisonous to Pets page

CATS ARE NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT
Got allergies? You don't necessarily have to give away the cat, says Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, head of Allergy and Asthma at University of Virginia. "You usually hear that families should get rid of their cats," the doctor told MSNBC, "but we do not have enough evidence to say to families with allergies or asthma that they should do this." In fact, recent studies show that children living with a dog or cat at home get less asthma--with two pets offering more protection than one. This research supports the current theory among allergists that exposing a child to dust, pet dander and other allergens at a young age will help him or her build up immunities to them. (In Sweden, for example, a whopping 80 percent of children who are allergic to felines never had a cat!) If you or your child is allergic to your animal companion, however, Platts-Mills recommends that you get rid of your carpeting, cover mattresses and cushions with zippered, plastic casings, and use a HEPA air filter to remove airborne animal dander.

CASES OF CANINE KIDNEY FAILURE FROM GRAPES and RAISINS
In response to reports of dogs developing kidney failure after eating large amounts of grapes or raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) conducted a review of all related cases in its database. Veterinary toxicologists found that all of the companion canines developed vomiting within six hours of ingestion; the estimated amounts of grapes or raisins eaten ranged from nine ounces to two pounds. Other commonly reported signs included diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain, and all of the dogs developed evidence of kidney disfunction. Adds APCC's Charlotte Means, DVM, "Whether the ingested grapes were purchased fresh from grocery stores or grown in private yards didn't seem to matter, nor did the brand eaten." Clinical signs lasted for several days--sometimes even weeks. And after aggressive treatment, which included intravenous fluids and medications, half of the dogs recovered, while the others died or had to be euthanized.

At present, the exact role of grapes or raisins in these cases--what exactly is the toxic component--is still unclear. But a dog who has ingested large amounts can now be diagnosed and treated successfully. The first line of defense is decontamination, and the canine should be hospitalized and placed on IV fluids. If the blood work appears normal after three days, it's unlikely that kidney failure will occur; if there is evidence of renal failure, more aggressive treatment--including fluids, medication and possibly dialysis--is called for. For more on treating and identifying poisoning from grapes and raisins, please visit APCC online.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested large quantities of raisins or grapes--or any other potentially dangerous substance--call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, go to APCC online.

see our Poisonous to Pets page

PET HEALTH ALERT: HOLD THE GUACAMOLE, POR FAVOR
Thinking of giving Polly a little something extra with her cracker? While there are a few foods that both humans and pets can enjoy, there are others that, while perfectly palatable for people, can be dangerous to our animal companions. The fruit of the avocado, for example, poses a threat to a number of species. "Avocados contain a toxic component called persin," explains Jill A. Richardson, DVM, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), "which has been shown to produce cardiac tissue damage, respiratory distress and mammary gland damage in a variety of animals--including dogs, horses, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits, fish and birds."

Consider the case of the cockatiel who had been given some guacamole by his owner. Within four hours of ingestion, the bird started behaving strangely--puffing his feathers and acting uncomfortable--and got progressively worse. The bird's owner brought him to an emergency clinic, and the veterinarian there contacted the APCC. Says Richardson, "We gave him recommendations on treating the animal--an oxygen cage and diuretics to remove the fluid on the bird's lungs." The animal was hospitalized for several days, but recovered. "And needless to say," adds Richardson, "guacamole is NOT on the menu any longer!"

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten avocado--or any other potentially dangerous substance--call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

see our Poisonous to Pets page

PET HEALTH ALERT: TIPS TO PREVENT ANTIFREEZE POISONING
According to Jill A. Richardson, DVM, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), most cases of antifreeze poisoning in dogs and cats occur around the pet's own home. "That's why we need to educate vehicle owners on the proper use, storage and disposal of antifreeze," says Richardson, who recommends taking the following precautions to keep pets happy and healthy--and safe from accidental exposure:

In addition to offering information online, the APCC also runs an emergency hotline--1-888-4-ANI-HELP--that provides round-the-clock telephone assistance.

Sam's Dog Tip on Chocolate...
That box of Russell Stover is probably just what your sweetheart would like to see for Birthday, Anniversary or any occasion...BUT...Those little chocolate coated anythings can be deadly for your furry four legged best friend.
Chocolate has Theo bromine.  Theo bromine in dogs can induce irregular heartbeat, irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and trigger epileptic seizures.  Cocoa, Cocoa Powder and baking chocolate have even higher amounts of this harmful chemical.
Chocolate is NOT a doggie treat.
Seek Veterinarian help immediately if you believe a dog has consumed chocolate.  More on Chocolate see this link. (thank you German Shepherd Rescue of New England)

HONORS GIVEN TO POLICE DOG FOUND DEAD IN WTC RUINS -
Ground Zero workers recovered the remains of Sirius, the yellow Labrador retriever believed to be the only working canine to perish in the September 11 attack.  The four-year-old bomb-detection dog was trained to search vehicles coming into the trade center.

Sirius' handler, Officer David Lim of the New York Port Authority, was in his office in the World Trade Center when he heard the explosion on an upper floor. Assuming that Sirius would be safe in the basement kennel, Lim went to investigate and, as it turned out, assist in rescue efforts. The officer was helping to evacuate a woman on the fifth floor when the building collapsed on them. He escaped to the sixth floor--which had become the top of the rubble--and was rescued five hours later.

Doctors forbade Lim from searching Ground Zero because of the emotional toll it could have taken on him, but the officer closely followed the rescue efforts, and he was immediately contacted when his partner was found.  "There was a flag over his bag and I carried his remains out with another officer, John Martin," Lim told the New Jersey Record. "Everyone saluted. All the machinery was stopped--the same thing that is done for human police officers and firefighters."

GERMANY GRANTS ANIMALS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Germany became the first nation in Europe to grant constitutional rights to animals.  In May 2002, 543 lawmakers voted in favor of adding "and animals" to a clause obliging the state to protect the dignity of humans.  Animal activists hope this will lead to tighter restrictions on animal testing and increased funding for research into alternatives to the use of animals in laboratory experiments.

 SPREAD THE ASPCA MESSAGE TO ONE PERSON TODAY!
Have any friends and family who care about animals as much as you do and want to make a difference? Get ASPCA News Alerts.  Anyone with an e-mail address can register directly at ASPCA website.

Also see...  Hot Rodders Adoption - Pet Health tips - Humane Laws - Sam's Charities

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