Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Many substances found in every day surroundings can be poisonous to our pets. Chemicals, plants, or foods might prove dangerous or even fatal to them. Accidental poisoning can happen very quickly; keeping these things out of reach is the best way to prevent poisoning. Put together a poison safety kit to use in case of emergencies. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any treatment following ingestion.

Your safety kit should include:

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Saline eye solution
• Rubber gloves
• Pet carrier
• Can of soft pet food
• Dish soap (to wash skin)
• Muzzle

Toxic Plants

Amaryllis, caladium, and mistletoe are just a few of the many plants that are known to be toxic to pets. Even the water in a vase can be toxic in some cases, so extreme care must be taken. Below is a list of some of the other plants that are toxic to pets:

Cardiotoxic Plants (affect the heart):

• Lily of the valley
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Azalea
• Yew
• Foxglove
• Kalanchoe
• Cyclamen

Plants That Affect the Kidneys:

• Rhubard leaves
• Shamrocks
• Lilies (dangerous to cats only)

Plants That Can Result in Multiple Symptoms:

• Dracaena species
• Corn plant
• Ribbon plant
• Autumn crocus
• Daffodils

Toxic Foods

• Coffee grounds (can increase heart rate)
• Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure)
• Xylitol (sweetener found in gum, candy, and some peanut butters)
• Chocolate
• Yeast dough
• Avocado
• Alcoholic beverages
• Onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Tea
• Fatty foods (can cause inflammation of the pancreas)

To be safe, only feed your pet food, or foods approved by your veterinarian.

Human Medication

Many medications for people are deadly for pets. Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian.

Flea Products

Always read the label on topical flea products. Many of the products designed for dogs are toxic to cats.


There are many other substances that can be toxic to our pets. The best prevention is to be ever vigilant to what is in our pets’ environment. If ever in doubt, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 to learn if something is toxic and what your next step should be.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

The Holiday season, from Thanksgiving until New Year's, can be a very busy time. Taking extra time to plan for the pets in our lives can make everyone's Holiday safe and enjoyable.

Having visitors can be fun but it can also be stressful and our pets feel the same way. Keep to routines as much as possible. Walks and feeding for dogs should stay the same. Having a quiet zone set aside for both dogs and cats is a good idea. With doors opening and closing make sure that indoor cats are safe. House guests should know who is allowed outside and who is not.

All of that extra food can be tempting, keep in mind the pets in the family. Do not leave food on kitchen counters or tables unsupervised. Keep the garbage container in a cabinet or securely closed. Let house guests know whether or not it is okay to feed table scraps. If you do allow feeding from the table make sure it's only a small amount. Ingesting food they are not accustomed to, or fatty foods, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Holiday beverages can also be a hazard; don't leave drinks unattended or where they can be sampled.

Holiday plants can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies should be out of reach or not used at all.

Putting up a tree is part of the Holidays in many households, but planning can make a big difference. Secure the tree to the ceiling or a railing to avoid it falling or being pulled over. Tape down or cover all cords to avoid electric shock. Unplug the tree when you are not home to supervise. If you use a live tree do not let the pet drink the water. If using tinsel, hang it high and securely, tinsel can pose a serious problem with intestinal blockage. Hang non-breakable ornaments on lower branches and keep breakable ornaments up high away from curious pets.

Many people want to give pets as Holiday gifts; a better idea is making an adoption kit. Include toys, a bed and if a dog is intended, a collar and leash. Make a certificate to include in the kit, detailing how the pet will be chosen (Shelter vs. Breeder). Then bring your new pet home when you have more time to spend with them.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Halloween Safety Tips

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you. 

SOURCE: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/halloween-safety-tips

August is Adopt a Homeless Pet Month

Did you know that August is Adopt a Homeless Pet Month! This day was created to help raise awareness about the large number of homeless animals in the world.

Below are a list of area shelters. The facilities in RED are local shelters. We urge you to adopt a pet in need. 

ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/

ROAR- Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue
https://www.google.com/#q=ROAR+ridgfield+

Animal Welfare Society (NEW MILFORD) 
http://aws-shelter.org/

New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society
http://www.nfsaw.org/ 

Danbury Animal Welfare Society
http://www.daws.org/

Second Chance Rescue
http://www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/

ARF-Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons
http://www.arfhamptons.org/site/c.inKMINNjEkG/b.5495835/k.BE80/Home.htm

Stratford Cat Project
http://stratfordcatproject.org/

Animals R Family
http://animalsrfamily.org/

Adopt A Dog
http://adopt-a-dog.org/

Free the Chi (Chihuahua Liberation Front)
https://instagram.com/freethechi/?hl=en

Labs 4 Rescue
http://labs4rescue.com/index.shtml

CT Greyhound Adoption
http://ctgreyhounds.org/

Please contact the Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital at (203) 438-8878 with any questions you may have.

Summer Safety Tips

During July the sky will reverberate with the many sounds that accompany the Fourth of July Celebrations. We may enjoy the revelry, but for some pets, fireworks, like thunderstorms, can cause a great deal of stress including:

• Violent shaking, trembling
• Excessive drooling 
• Barking, howling
• Trying to hide or get into/out of the house, fence, or other enclosure
• Refusing to eat food
• Some animals may loose bladder or bowel control or experience temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress

So what can an owner do to protect their pets from the stress associated with fireworks? 

• Keeping pets indoors. Close the windows and drapes, turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction. 
• A quiet place, such as a carrier or crate may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort. 
• Using a leash or carrier if you must be outside with your pet to keep them from running off. 
• Making sure pet ID is current. Make sure that your pet has proper identification tags, with current information, in case they get away. Microchipping is strongly recommended. 

Some pets do fine and don't seem to notice the fireworks. But some pets cannot be calmed by petting or talking to them - they are simply too upset by the noise. Animals who are frightened or stressed can hurt themselves and possibly escape if left alone, and the result can be fatal. Frightened animals running loose are in great danger of being lost or, worse yet, hit by a car. 

If nothing seems to work to calm your pet talk to your veterinarian about tranquilizers. They are not for every pet but they can help calm some who are overly sensitive to loud noises. 

For many people, nothing beats spending time in the backyard with good friends and family -- including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reqard our pets with scraps from the grill and bring them along to watch fireworks in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips: 

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases. 
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems. 
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pet's reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing -- or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop. 
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals. 
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestion and intestinal blockage could  occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers. 
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestion can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets. 
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium.

Also, 

• Walk with caution. Don't walk your dog during the day's highest heat and humidity, which is usually between 1 and 4pm. This is especially important for dogs with short snouts, who can't pant as efficiently in humid weather due to their narrowed nostrils and windpipes. 
• Look out for heat exhaustion. If your dog shows signs of heat stress -- heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, or wobbly legs -- don't place them in ice cold water, which can put them into shock. Instead, move them to a cool place, drape a damp towel over their body, re-wetting the cloth frequently, and get them to the vet as soon as you possibly can. A dog's normal temperature is between 100 degrees and 102.5 degrees, so once they hit 104 degrees, they are in dangerous territory (106 degrees F or higher can be fatal). 
• Don't share. Barbecue scraps and fatty leftovers can give your pup pancreatitis, causing severe abdominal pain or death. Corn on the cob is also a huge no-no because they can lodge in a dog's intestines. 

Contact the Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital team at (203) 438-8878 with any questions you may have. 

Reasons to Act More Like Your Pet

Pets aren’t always easy to take care of, and they often require a substantial time commitment (something you’re all too aware of at, say, 3 a.m., when Bing Clawsby is finally ready to go outside and do his business). But pets provide an amazing return on that time investment, especially when it comes to your health. Case in point: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than non-pet owners. But that’s not all. Pets also model many surprisingly healthy behaviors that humans would do well to emulate. Here are just a few, according to veterinarians, dog trainers, and other pet experts. 

1. They focus on what matters most. You may get grumpy after a bad day at the office, but your pooch never does. “Companion animals mostly care about food, love, and shelter (not always in that order). As long as they have those things, they don’t need much else,” Mary Gardner, DVM, a veterinarian and cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice tells Yahoo Health. “Pets also don’t complain much at all. People believe they hide their pain; I simply think they manage it differently.” If humans could model these behaviors, Gardner adds, we’d be healthier, happier, “and more people would want to be around us.” 

2. They practice portion control (even if not by choice). Snowball might not want to limit her kibble intake any more than you want to limit your tortilla-chip intake. Nonetheless, she typically eats reasonably sized helpings of nutritionally balanced food — and never gets to eat straight out of the bag. Follow her lead. “Both animals and people need structure and regulation when it comes to portion size,” says Jme Thomas, executive director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue based in Redmond, Washington. 

3. They know how to de-stress. Your pooch doesn’t pour a glass of cabernet when the going gets rough (though, yes, it would make a very popular YouTube video if she did). She may, however, start begging for a walk or to play a game. Smart dog! “Actively seeking healthy activities — that function as de-stressors when stress levels are high — helps to reset people as well as dogs, and bring us back to a productive and functional status, from which many things feel a lot more ‘do-able,’” Marisa Scully, a certified dog behavior specialist in Philadelphia, tells Yahoo Health. 

4. They hit the hay. People don’t get enough sleep: According to a 2014 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 45 percent of Americans said that a lack of sleep had impaired their activities at least once in the previous week. Learn from your cat or dog, who knows just how important it is to get enough shut-eye, says Jeff Werber, VVM, president and chief veterinarian of Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. “Whether it’s a lazy dog day afternoon, or a quick cat nap, you won’t find them burning the candles at both ends.”

5. They stretch! There’s a reason one of the most common yoga moves is named downward dog. Dogs (and cats) stretch constantly — and we should do the same, notes certified dog behavior consultant Russell Hartstein. Why? Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury. 

6. They’re open to new things. Animals are naturally curious. “Open a box or empty a bag and before you know it, your cat will have climbed in to investigate. Walk your dog past a gardener planting flowers and chances are she will check it out before moving on,” Werber says. “And they’re always up for some fun. A game of catch, a walk, a visit — bring it on.” Since research has found that seeking out new experiences can keep people feeling young and healthy, we’d do well to follow suit.

7. They’re comfortable getting zen. Numerous studies have found a correlation between mindful meditation and reduced stress, decreased heart disease, and a stronger immune response — and that’s something your cat already knows how to do instinctively. “Each morning I sit on the sofa with my cat, Turtle, while I drink my first cup of coffee,” says Kristen Levine, a pet living expert. “We spend about 10 minutes together, her getting neck and head rubs, me enjoying her purring and having a few meditative moments at the start of the day.It sounds simple, and it can be, but depending on the activity, it can have a powerfully relaxing or invigorating effect for both human and critter.” 


Source: https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-health-lessons-our-pets-teach-us-112252958927.html

COLD WEATHER PET SAFETY TIPS

Brrrr—it's cold outside!  The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can easily become lost. Make sure your dog always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him, and his fur, in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
SOURCE: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cold-weather-tips

Top 5 Thanksgiving Treats For Pets

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving and give thanks for good food, good friends and even your cranky family members, don’t forget the furry or feathery member of the family — your pet. Of course, a pet doesn't need a toast in its honor to feel appreciated, but a special treat would probably elicit an extra lick or cuddle from your best four-legged friend. Just remember that the holidays aren't an excuse to break from tradition and serve your pet chocolate or other foods that might upset its sensitive stomach. However, there are some terrific Thanksgiving treats that are perfectly pet-safe and guaranteed to make your critter feel extra-thankful for such a thoughtful pet parent. Here are just five.

1: TOYS

If your pet is on a restricted diet or doesn’t usually handle new food well, pick out a toy that your animal will go gaga for. Consider a squeaky toy shaped like a turkey bone or a carrot. Some retailers carry “pampered pet” lines, in which you’ll find toys shaped like wine bottles or sushi (if turkey and all the fixings isn’t your thing). McCulley recommends interactive toys that dispense treats as a great way to keep your pet occupied while you’re entertaining human guests. By the time your furry friend has gotten all of the kibble out of the toy, you’ll be cleaning off the table and ready to spend the afternoon curled up in a turkey-induced coma with your pet.
Some one-on-one time like this is probably the best treat of all for your pet, but any of these five ideas can also help make sure your pet is a grateful gobbler this Thanksgiving.

2: BISCUITS AND OTHER TREATS

If you aren’t up for making your own treats or don’t have any leftovers, you can find a large variety of treats available at pet superstores or even your local market that will leave your pet feeling gracious. McCulley says ingredients like pomegranate, acai berry and quinoa, which have been fads in people food for the past few years, are now crossing over into pet treats. Look for items that are made with human-grade ingredients to ensure your furry friend is getting the very best. Many organic treats are made with natural ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and apple with ginger or cinnamon for a fun Thanksgiving twist.

3:TURKEY TREATS

If you like a traditional feast with a big turkey as the main dish, your pet is in luck. There are quite a few ways you can prepare some of your leftover turkey that will be paw-licking good. Be sure to remove any skin and bones and don’t serve your pet any turkey that’s been sitting out longer than two hours to avoid risk of salmonella poisoning. Skinless, boneless turkey is a great treat for most cats and dogs. Cut up a few pieces and add it to your dog’s regular food to give it its own Thanksgiving meal. For cats, try pureeing turkey with sweet potatoes or pumpkin and adding it to their regular food or letting them lick it straight from the spoon. And if you’ve ever wondered what to do with turkey giblets, try boiling them up for a yummy pet treat.

4: BONES AND CHEWS

It might be tempting to toss a turkey bone your dog’s way during the holiday, but according to L.A. Animal Services, turkey bones can easily break, and the sharp splinters could cause damage to your dog’s intestines. If your pooch goes nuts for bones, look for store-bought bones or chews in special Thanksgiving flavors that will be a real treat without the risk. Pet trend expert Janet McCulley recommends turkey-flavored bones, or even organic dog chews made out of sweet potatoes or apples. Make no bones about it, you will be thankful your canine has a yummy Thanksgiving treat without the threat of a visit to the emergency animal hospital.

5: FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Not all pets can eat meat, including most pocket pets like gerbils, hamsters, rats and birds. Many people love these small pets, but often overlook them when it comes to holiday treats. Pocket pets can have small treats occasionally, but according to the educational staff at Drs. Foster and Smith, they tend to like treats better than real food, so it’s best to dish them out sparingly. In general, raw vegetables like carrots and broccoli are OK to give a small rodent, so when you’re preparing your Thanksgiving meal, save a few pieces for your pet. Pet birds also love fresh veggies and fruits, including cooked sweet potatoes and cranberries, which are both common staples on many Thanksgiving tables. Cooked vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas are terrific options for cats and dogs, too.



Source: http://animal.discovery.com/pets/thanksgiving-treats-pets.htm