You Should Know
In this section, new articles are added that benefit the general public.

IMPORTANT ALERT!  

A recent Adopter reports the sudden and violent death of one of her dogs from suspected mushroom poisoning.  Enjoying the warm weather, and playing only moments earlier, he collapsed in their backyard.  He was vomiting profusely, frothing from the mouth and nose, had fluid gushing from his eyes, and had projectile diarrhea.  He was rushed to the local ER where mushroom poisoning was immediately suspected.  He was unable to be saved as he was already in organ failure and it was irreversible.  

This quick-thinking mom collected and stored the vomit, then contacted the Mycological Association of Washington DC.  A representative made a visit to her home to collect the sample and is filing a report with the North American Mycological Association.  They believe it is a non-indigenous type of mushroom that is travelling to our area through the air in spore form and is particularly deadly.  We will follow up when the species of mushroom has been identified, but for now, please assume all mushrooms are poisonous and routinely remove them from your yard.  

RIP Stryder, pictured here with his buddy Lady. 

GO TO ARCHIVES

Reprinted from 'ASPCA website,' the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Protect Your Pet from Winter Woes

• Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

• Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

• The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

• Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.

ASPCA 2009 TOP TEN POISONS
With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets.[read more ]

IT'S TOO HOT FOR YOUR PETS!
Download a brochure to put on the windows of cars on summer days... and read about how it's not just dogs that are the victims.... [read more ]

PETS MAY BECOME SICK FROM COCOA BEAN MULCH
Many of us have known for years that dogs and cats can become sick and yes, even have long-term health effects from eating chocolate [read more]

PET FOODS CONTAINED PLASTICS CHEMICAL, FDA FINDS
Federal testing of recalled pet foods turned up a chemical used to make plastics but failed to confirm the presence of a cancer drug also used as rat poison. The recall expanded today to include the first dry pet food. [read more ]

CORN MAKE CONTRIBUTE TO PET'S DIABETES
I just finished reading your column about the diabetic cat. I found it especially interesting, as I've been wondering why there is so much cornmeal [read more]

TREVOR'S STORY: SURVIVING AN ENCOUNTER WITH LAWN PESTICIDES
Trevor is a Dalmatian whose early history is unknown. His story begins when he was an abandoned dog living at a shelter...   [read more]

Think Twice Before You Declaw: The Itch to Scratch
 All cats scratch; it's part of being a cat. Cats do write. They don't communicate with a pen and paper or by using a computer keyboard [read more]

DIAMOND PET FOODS ISSUES PRODUCT RECALL
Diamond Pet Foods has removed its dog and cat food from sale after a dangerous toxin was found in a product manufactured... [read more]

RAISIN AND GRAPES CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGS: ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER ISSUES NATIONWIDE UPDATE
From April 2003, the center has handled approximately 140 cases of dogs ingesting raisins or grapes [read more]

Recent Pet Food Recall Prompts Companion Animal Gaurdians to Look Closer At What They Are Feeding
With all the confusion regarding the ongoing food recalls, maybe it's time to consider whether there is a better way to feed your dog commercial foods. Here is an article by Terri Lewis, who was recently interviewed on Channel 2 News. [read more]

ROME DOGS WIN A RIGHT TO A DAILY WALK (NOV 2005)
The Rome City Council Introduces Fines for Dog Owners Who Fail to Take Their Dogs on Daily Walks [read more]

PICKING A BONE WITH GREENIES: SOME PET OWNERS SAY THEIR DOGS DIED AFTER EATING TREATS... COMPANY SAYS IT'S SAFE (JAN 2006) reprinted from The Baltimore Sun [read more]

DECLAWED CATS MAY RESORT TO BITING: Reprinted from WashingtonPost.com [read more]

BEWARE OF COPPERHEADS
Please take a minute to read this as I hope it might prevent this from happening to anyone else's pet. My 5 yr old Lab was bitten by a Copperheadsnake last week as I walked her... [read more] 

PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM WINTER WOES
In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines. [read more]

SUMMER CARE TIPS FOR YOUR PETS
Please Don’t Leave Me In Your Hot Car. I can die in seconds! If you really love me leave me at home [read more]