What’s poisoning pets? Medicine
The ASPCA has announced the top poisoning agents of pets, and human medicine takes two of the top three spots. The Animal Poison Control Center took 165,000 calls last year, and about 1 in 4 were related to medicine. Here’s the ASPCA’s top 10:
- Prescription medicine for humans.
- Insecticides.
- Over-the-counter medicine for humans.
- People food. The top culprit: chocolate. Don’t celebrate Valentine’s day by making your cat throw up.
- Household items. This includes things like paint and fire logs.
- Veterinary products.
- Rodenticides.
- Plants.
- Lawn and garden products.
- Automotive products.
The ASPCA’s poison control line is open 24 hours a day at (888-426-4435).
Humane Society points fingers at pork producers
The Humane Society of the United States alleges two Oklahoma pork producers of treating their animals inhumanely. Here’s a video about it. It’s pretty sad.
Could elephant death happen here?
Earlier this month, an African elephant at the San Diego Zoo died of injuries her keepers suspect came from an aggressive attack by another elephant. Such a startling tragedy raises the question, “Could this happen here?” The Oklahoma City Zoo is home to two adult Asian elephants and one offspring, shown here at right. I asked the OKC Zoo spokeswoman, Tara Henson, if it was possible. She checked with Assistant Zoo Director Alan Varsik. Here’s what she said:
In domestic or wild animals…this could happen. It’s a day to day, ongoing process to maximize our chances for success in any social situation. In any accredited zoo, we are concerned about the physical and social well-being of all of the animals in our care. Interpreting their behaviors and looking for any indications of a behavioral issue is a constant. Any species in a social situation presents this challenge. This is on a case by case basis according to the species as well as the individual animals. Individual and species specific behaviors must be taken into consideration. There is a level of unpredictability in anything we do and we try to minimize that.
Delicious for people, dangerous for pets
While many of us will eat way too much on Thanksgiving Day, there are some family members who should watch their diet: pets. I’m going to be honest. I’m horrible about giving my dogs table scraps. (It’s their adorable faces! I am such a wimp!) But there are several things you won’t find even me sneaking under the table for my dogs. Here’s a list from the ASPCA of the most toxic Thanksgiving foods for animals:
- Sage.
- Chocolate.
- Candy with xylitol.
- Bread dough.
- Batter with raw eggs.
- Onions and garlic.
- Macadamia nuts.
- Raisins and grapes.
- Rich or spicy foods.
- Alcohol.
There is good news, though, for pushovers like me. You can share turkey. Make sure it’s cooked and bone-free. That’s one way to safely give in to those puppy-dog eyes.
Pet safety during earthquakes
I can’t believe I’m actually writing about this, but with the number of earthquakes we’ve had in the past few days, some disaster preparedness info is in order. Here is some excerpts from a couple of ASPCA Q&As about earthquakes.
Hi! I’ve read a lot about pets and flooding, but not so much on earthquakes. I have two cocker spaniels and a cat who hides when she’s scared. I’m worried that if there’s an earthquake, I won’t have time to find them in order to protect them. And when I do find them, what’s the best way to protect them? Thanks!
—Thea N.How can I make sure my cat is safe during an earthquake? Thanks!
—M-A
Don’t give LSD to your dog
So apparently this Georgia couple used LSD and ran through their neighborhood naked. The sad part: their dog got out of the house and was hit by a car. The couple told police they gave the dog, Oscar, some LSD, too, but later said that wasn’t true. I just love their line of thinking:
Taking LSD? Sure.
Running naked through the neighborhood? Of course.
Giving LSD to your dog? Now that would just be wrong.
Harpy eagle is feeling good
The Oklahoma City Zoo vet reported yesterday afternoon that an ailing harpy eagle has recovered. Here’s an excerpt from a story about the zoo trust meeting:
A male harpy eagle that was acutely ill has recovered, said Jennifer D’Agostino, director of veterinary services. The bird had stopped eating and was lethargic. “Hopefully it was just a passing bug we took care of,” D’Agostino said. The eagle was caught in the wild as an adult and has been at the Oklahoma City Zoo since the 1970s.
A word about heartworms
Here’s a public service announcement from the American Heartworm Society. My dog had heartworms when I adopted him, and it was so sad. Luckily, I was able to get him treated before something horrible happened. Heartworms can be found in every state, especially Oklahoma.
Pets in the paper – Mr. Ed’s joint doctor
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday -
- Animal chiropractor helps from head to tail. (Oklahoma City)
- For many students, it’s a zoo out there. (Oklahoma City)
- Metro students work alongside zoo experts. (Oklahoma City, Edmond)
- Lead sickens rare baby bird. (California)
- Wild fishing industries exploring strategies. (Gulf of Mexico)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Workers rescue animals from Nashville flood
ASPCA workers help rescue a chicken saved from flooding in Nashville, Tenn.
As Nashville residents bail out of a massive flood, volunteers and animal workers are trying to help save the animals that were also affected. Here’s information the ASPCA sent out about their work:
The ASPCA ® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ® ), under the authority and request of the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society in Dyersburg, Tenn., has dispatched its field investigations and response team to assist in the recovery and sheltering of animals displaced by recent flooding.
ASPCA responders arrived Tuesday afternoon and are helping care for more than 70 companion animals, including dogs, cats and various birds that were rescued from floodwaters, trees, rooftops and abandoned homes in the Dyersburg city limits, approximately 80 miles north of Memphis. The ASPCA has established a temporary shelter behind the humane society to handle the overflow of animals, and set up a decontamination station where animals affected by the flooding are washed and cleaned. In addition, the ASPCA provided extra cages, bowls, food industrial fans, and other necessary supplies to help care for animals.
“Our city has been declared a disaster area and many neighborhoods have been evacuated,” said Dr. Carol Feather, president and co-founder of the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, which services all of Dyer County, Dyersburg and Newbern. “We’re grateful for the ASPCA’s assistance, and to our own staff and volunteers, all of whom have been working non-stop to help animals that are abandoned or lost. We want to save all the animals we can–that’s our job.”
The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society’s animal control officers have been navigating some areas in a small motor boat to access abandoned pets. Most of the 70-plus pets received so far are owned and were removed from homes at the request of owners who were forced to evacuate. They will be housed at the humane society until they are claimed, according to Dr. Feather. Residents wishing to contact the humane society may call (731) 285-4889 or visit in person at 1120 E. Court Street, Dyersburg, 38024. Volunteers high school age and over who are interested in caring for animals at the shelter may also contact the humane society.
Allison Cardona, the ASPCA’s Director of Disaster Response, said the temporary shelter has “helped ease the strain on the already full humane society.” She added, “The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society and its staff and volunteers have been extremely dedicated toward the pets in their community during this life-threatening event. The ASPCA will continue to provide supplies, support and manage the temporary shelter and decontamination area, an important component in this operation, as long as we’re needed.”
According to Dr. Feather, all incoming animals are given a physical exam, and if veterinary records cannot be located, they are being vaccinated as a precaution. “A few pets have already been claimed, but the rest we will be holding onto until their families get situated,” she said. “In most instances, even if they have identification, we’re not yet able to reach their owners because they’ve had to evacuate.” Dr. Feather added that the Humane Society is not charging owners for boarding or vaccinations.
In addition to the ASPCA, local businesses assisting Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society include Hollywood Feed, which provided cages, and Pet Stop, which relieved the organization of some of its adoptable pets so room could be made for incoming animals.
“We are making sure that the animals’ immediate needs are being met, and that they receive appropriate care,” said the ASPCA’s Cardona. “The ASPCA is glad to be in a position to provide relief.”
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
