The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Thursday, September 20, 2018

INSECT PROBLEMS FOLLOWING FLOODING CONDITIONS


Homeowners in southeastern North Carolina, especially those living in low-lying areas, may be faced with additional insect problems if their property has been flooded. Severe summer thunderstorms and excessive rainfall from hurricanes and tropical depressions often create flooding conditions that create ideal environments for certain insects. The following problems are those most often encountered.   

MOSQUITOES Residents can expect to encounter more severe mosquito problems about 7 to 10 days following flooding conditions. The Asian tiger mosquito is the major species encountered, since they take advantage of opportunities to breed in standing and stagnating water that has been trapped in poorly drained, low-lying areas; ditches that are clogged with silt and debris; clogged rain gutters; and carelessly discarded containers. Although spraying with an insecticide may give temporary relief, homeowners should first consider a little "R&R": 

To read more on this story, click here: Insect Problems Following Flooding Conditions

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Florence's Flooding Kills 3.4 Million Poultry, 5,500 Hogs


(AP) -- About 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and 5,500 hogs have been killed in flooding from Florence as rising North Carolina rivers swamped dozens of farm buildings where the animals were being raised for market, according to state officials.


The N.C. Department of Agriculture issued the livestock mortality totals Tuesday, as major flooding is continuing after the slow-moving storm's drenching rains. Sixteen North Carolina rivers were at major flood stage Tuesday, with an additional three forecasted to peak by Thursday.

The Department of Environmental Quality said the earthen dam at one hog lagoon in Duplin County had breached, spilling its contents. Another 25 of the pits containing animal feces and urine have either suffered structural damage, had wastewater levels go over their tops from heavy rains or had been swamped by floodwaters. Large mounds of manure are also typically stored at poultry farms.

To read more on this story, click here: Florence's Flooding Kills 3.4 Million Poultry, 5,500 Hogs

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Wednesday, September 19, 2018

8 Secrets Zoos Keep Under Wraps


Zoos exist to display exotic animals for all the world to see. But what's going on at zoos away from the public's view?

Few destinations conjure up as idyllic an image as an afternoon at the zoo. Strolling about on a nice day with some lighthearted animal-themed ice cream treat and checking out monkeys, bears, and a few sleeping reptiles is as wholesome as apple pie on the Fourth of July.

But certainly, some secrets must be hidden in the shadows of those cages and fake rock formations. For those who have ever wondered about what’s really going on at your local zoo behind the locked gates and after closing time, allow us to drops some zoo truths on you.

To read more on this story, click here: 8 Secrets Zoos Keep Under Wraps


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Monday, September 17, 2018

World's Gentlest Dog Befriends A Little Boy With Down Syndrome [Video]


A little boy named Hernán and a female yellow lab called Himalaya have been melting hearts around the web with a viral video of the moment the two became friends.

Hernán, of Buenos Aires, has Down Syndrome, which causes him to shy away from physical contact, according to his mother Ana.

In a comment on YouTube she wrote, "He does not like be touched, but Himalaya insisted so patiently, and she was so soft that's why it is so moving, she is left to do anything."

In the video, which now has over 10 million views, Hernán sits on a patio, with a persistent Himalaya inching closer to him. Himalaya makes several attempts to touch Hernán with her paw, but he keeps pushing her away. She rolls onto her back in a playful fashion, while little Hernán presses closer to the wall behind him.

Finally Hernán begins to play with Himalaya's feet and nose, and by the end of the video, what began as an attempt to move away from the dog has turned into something of a game.

Dogs are often used by those with special needs, like Hernán. On its website, Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) writes:

"There are times when the simple presence and loving nature of a dog can help persons with special needs to open up to the world around them. Special needs therapy dogs have been particularly beneficial for persons with Autism, developmental disabilities, Down's Syndrome and those who have suffered a stroke. With the presence of these dogs, persons can work on therapies that help improve speech, coordination, and social skills."
According to Assistance Dogs International, Golden Retrievers and Labs in particular have good characteristics for service to special needs individuals, including confidence and sociability. They are also easy to care for, and not overly protective.

Watch the video of Hernán and Himalaya below, then jump into the comments and share your favorite stories of loving and amazing pets.


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Cat Born Without Eyelids: Surgeries and a Lot of Love Helped Him Get a Second Chance


A cat born without eyelids is getting a second chance and a new owner, according to WESH.

In March, the 11-month-old cat was found roaming the streets of Stuart, Fla. The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast took the cat in and named him Sauron.

Sauron was checked over by veterinarians, who determined that multiple surgeries would be needed to fix his eyelids. His eyelids were damaged and his eyes must have pained him as if he constantly had something in his eyes. The damage to his eyes would continue to get worse, and if he didn’t have the surgeries, he would go blind, the Humane Society was told.

The surgeries would cost thousands of dollars, yet that didn’t stop two of the Humane Society volunteers who fell in love with the young cat. Les Thomas and Roxie Smith decided to foster him until he could be adopted. And they went above and beyond giving him a foster home. They helped save his sight and used their own money to do so.

Sauron was taken to the University of Florida in Gainesville by the volunteers. For the first surgery, Smith said corners of Sauron’s mouth were used to make new eyelids. Two more surgeries followed. The surgeries cost more than a thousand dollars out of their own pockets.

While at the University of Florida, third year veterinary student Chelsea Mendola saw Sauron, and she too fell in love with the cat with the sweet personality. So much so, that Mendola adopted Sauron on Tuesday.

Click HERE to follow the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast on Facebook. If you would like to donate to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s Emergency Medical Care Fund, contact Karen Bellucy at 772-600-3212 or visit their website. http://www.hstc1.org/


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How To Help Animals Affected By Florence


While many families were able to evacuate safely with their pets, many were left behind in their homes or at animal shelters.

Florence was downgraded to a tropical storm late Friday, but heavy rains and life-threatening flooding are still drenching the Carolinas. Florence hasn't just affected humans. Hundreds of animals have been caught up in the deadly storm as well.

While many people safely evacuated with their pets, other animals were left behind either at shelters or in homes. In North Carolina, hundreds of people stood in line to pick up foster dogs from coastal shelters for the weekend before the storm made landfall.

Here's how you can get involved in the efforts to help animals affected by Florence.

Adopt a new furry friend with waived fees
Several shelters outside of the storm's path have already taken in animals from shelters that evacuated. Many of these shelters are now waiving or providing discounted adoption fees for the animals they rescued.

To read more on this story, click here: How To Help Animals Affected By Florence


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Sunday, September 16, 2018

Tear Stains in Dogs: Why They Happen and How to Help


When your dog’s otherwise sweet expression is marred by dark, rust-colored tears running down their face, it’s hard to notice anything else. Tear stains can be unsightly and distracting, even mildly repulsive to those who don’t know your dog, and they can be hard to get under control. But there are ways to treat and even eliminate tear stains with a little time and attention.

What Causes Tears Stains in Dogs?
It all stems from your dog’s tearing, a natural process to keep the delicate eye and its membranes lubricated.

Both normal and excessive tearing can cause tear stains, but if you feel like you’re constantly wiping gunk or goobers out of your dog’s eyes, and particularly if it’s thick and has a yellow or green tint, you should take him to the vet. Eye infections, glaucoma, eyelash issues or entropion (where the eyelid is inverted), foreign objects in the eye, and even an ear infection can cause tearing with thicker discharge. These issues require a veterinarian’s help to diagnose and treat.

If the discharge is clear and/or watery but excessive, it could be a blocked tear duct, allergies, or simply due to your dog’s physiology—larger eyes in small breeds or skin folds around the eyes. Some breeds are prone to the issue and require regular attention to keep the area below the eye clean and dry and free of discharge.

To read more on this story, click here: Tear Stains in Dogs: Why They Happen and How to Help

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Dogs And Cats Were Rescued From Flooded Homes In Jacksonville, NC, During Hurricane Florence


On Friday, dogs and cats in Jacksonville, North Carolina, were rescued from flooded homes and brought to safety.

Live video showed dogs being removed from a boat in the flood waters of Hurricane Florence. Later, the same rescue team saved cats who were stranded near a flooded home.

The hurricane made landfall just before 7:30 Friday morning Category 1 storm.







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