There's a dangerous bug making its way across the border and it's causing widespread fear among residents and parents. The White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar masks itself in an adorable black and white ball of fluff - but looks are definitely deceiving when it comes to these insects. As soon as a human touches the fine hairs on the caterpillar, a horribly uncomfortable rash will appear almost instantaneously. That's because the black "spine" of the bug is packed full of venom that especially affects human skin. Since this bug's natural home is in Canada, Dr. Joseph Betz told WPXI News that the cases are puzzling medical professionals up and down the Eastern Seaboard. "There have been many reported cases. None of them fatal, but all strange, new and concerning." Even Dr. Betz's son had a dangerous encounter with the fluffy caterpillar. Within minutes of picking it up, the toddler was covered in the painful, telltale rash! Fortunately, there is some good news through all of the terror and medical problems. The White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar will soon be forming its cocoon and that means you and your children will be out of harm's way. If you do happen to be affected by the bug before then, a combination of lotion and ice will generally help the rash heal and will take away the discomfort. Learn even more about this dangerous critter here:
If you've decided to bring a new doggie home, you're probably worried about how Rover at home is going to react. Though there's a chance he might resent your decision a bit -- this should only be temporarily. Introducing two adult dogs can be a challenge and you need to be careful to avoid an all-out war. Hopefully, the pooches will eventually become friends and have lots of fun together. However, it's up to you to make that happen. Personality Your first responsibility is to your current dog. After all, you don't want to put him in a situation he'll hate or be miserable in. If Rover is a quiet, old dog, don't bring home a hyper teenage dog who will drive him crazy. When adopting from a shelter, always find out the past history of the new dog. If he was abused or has a dominant character, this might create problems with your doggie back home. Is Rover a high-energy, always-running pooch? Then getting a companion with the same level of energy could be great -- they can play together and tire each other out. To read more on this story, click here:Will My Dog Be Ok If I Adopt Another?
Never Leave Your Pet’s Food Unsealed To prevent unnecessary exposure to air and humidity, which can rapidly degrade food and increase risk of bacterial contamination like Salmonella, pet food should be sealed in a safe container after every feeding. If your pet eats dry kibble, this may very well be the original packaging if the top of the bag is folded securely. High quality pet food bags have been designed to keep out the elements and maintain its freshness for as long as possible. If you want to store food in a plastic container, the best option is to use the original bag and place it in a plastic container. If pouring food into the container, you should purchase a food safe. It must be cleaned and dried very well when the container is empty. The oils and food will expire and could cause issues with palatability and GI upset when stored in a non-food grade container.
Never Leave Pet Food Sitting Out Too Long How long dry food can be left out will vary depending on the food and manufacturer. Some companies use natural and artificial preservatives that generally are good until expiration, even when open. The best recommendation is to contact the manufacturer to find out the recommendation for your pet’s specific food. Canned food, once opened, can be left out from 2 to no more than 4 hours. Any unused canned food should be immediately put in the refrigerator. Contact the pet food manufacturer to find out their recommendations for how long the food can still be fed once opened and placed in the refrigerator. Ideally, unopened dry and canned foods should be kept at room temperature and away from heat, humidity and infestation.
Don’t Forget To Clean Food Bowls Regularly How often do you wash your pet food bowl - Every week? That’s not bad, but the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) actually recommends washing pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use. This is to prevent infectious agents such as Salmonella or Listeria from accumulating on the items. If you use a plastic container to store your pet food, wash the container when empty, and make sure it is completely dry before adding new food.
Never Allow Young Children to Handle Pet Food Left unsupervised, children and pet food simply don’t mix. Kids tend to be less reliable in their sanitary habits before and after handling pet food and they are more likely to incorrectly measure an appropriate meal for your pet. This can harm both your child (exposing them to dangerous infectious agents) and your pet (promoting overeating and issues with obesity).
Never Keep Pet Food Past Its Expiration Date Pet food expiration dates (sometimes known as “best by” or “use by” dates) are established to ensure the safety of the food for your dog or cat. These dates are often found on the side or the bottom of the pet food package or can. Can’t find the date? Call the pet food manufacturer. They can easily instruct you as to where the expiration date can be found. Don’t take the risk by feeding your pet expired food.
A Quebec Superior Court judge has extended a suspension of Montreal's ban on pit bull-type dogs until there is a final court ruling on the SPCA's legal challenge of the bylaw. The SPCA is arguing that clauses of the new animal control bylaw dealing with pit bull-type dogs should be declared null and illegal. Restrictions aimed at pit bull-type dogs, including a prohibition on adopting them and a requirement that they be muzzled when outdoors, will not be enforced until the SPCA's challenge is heard by the courts and a final decision is rendered. Other provisions of the new animal control bylaw remain in effect, such as the requirement that all dogs weighing more than 20 kilograms, regardless of breed, wear a halter or harness. Bylaw definition 'vague, imprecise' In Justice Louis Gouin's decision, he found the provisions dealing with pit bull-type dogs raise numerous red flags and merit further review. Gouin said the definition of the term "pit bull-type dog" is vague and imprecise and needs to be clarified. "The challenge is to establish the limits of the very elastic definition of 'pit bull-type dog' and the court notes that, during the hearings, even the city has been unable to define those limits," the decision reads. Gouin also questioned whether the City of Montreal has the right to order the seizure and euthanizing of pit bull-type dogs that may not, in fact, be dangerous.
Spotsylvania County, Virginia - An armed suspect who shot a K-9 with the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Sunday evening during a traffic stop is still on the loose, according to officials. The Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office reports, around 9 p.m. the vehicle of a suspect wanted on numerous felony warrants in Fredericksburg was spotted and pulled over in the 2800 block of Lafayette Blvd . The driver of that vehicle was reportedly "taken without incident," but a passenger inside, Joseph Conway, 34, got out and began to fight with a Deputy. Conway then made an attempt to flee the scene on foot, according to the Sheriff's Office. A Spotsylvania Deputy, along with a K-9 named Dux, had just arrived on the scene and officials report Dux was released in an attempt to detain Conway. According to the Sheriff's Office, after a short pursuit, Conway pulled out a pistol and began to shot at the Deputies and Dux who were pursuing him. Dux was reportedly struck by the gunfire at least once. Officials say the Deputies shot back at the pursuing Conway, but it's unclear at this time if he was injured. None of the Deputies were shot or injured during the pursuit, officials confirm. ABC7's Suzanne Kennedy reports several vehicles in the area were also struck during the gunfire exchange. Dux was taken to an emergency Veterinary hospital where he underwent surgery. By Monday afternoon, officials tweeted that Dux was "out of surgery and in recovery."
When construction workers were on the job in Canary Wharf, London, they found something they didn’t expect. Deep in a hole caked in mud and strips of plastic was a small helpless animal. The workers carefully extracted the animal from the hole, but it was so entrenched in mud and garbage that they could not make out exactly what it was. At first, they guessed it was a puppy, but they soon learned they were wrong. They enlisted the help of a wildlife hospital, and you won’t believe what they found. PetsFans.com tells the story: “The story started when, on a normal work day in England, some construction workers had a task to do near an area close to London’s Canary Wharf. While going on with their jobs, a few ground holes were left open. The workers were startled when they heard a faint sound of cries coming from one of the open holes! Imagine how heartbreaking it must have sounded. The workers didn’t waste any time, they rushed to try and locate the animal, without even knowing what they should expect to find, or whether any of them could be in danger.” The workers contacted specialists from the Essex Wildlife Hospital who worked for hours to carefully clean the animal. After a good bath and lot of special care, the workers were able to properly identify the animal as a four month old baby fox. They named him Muddsey and lauded the construction crew for saving him. Su Schwar who runs the hospital said, “it would certainly have had a pretty awful death if it hadn’t been found, it was very cold and in shock but is fine now. We felt very sorry for him because he was completely caked and was absolutely petrified.” Others have applauded the efforts of construction workers as well. One Green Planet wrote, “If rescuers hadn’t found this baby fox trapped in a hole, who knows what could have happened to him? With all that dirt on him and no mother in sight fretting over him, he must have been tough to spot. What a lucky guy! While we’re not sure if he’s old enough to be out and about on his own just yet, he’s in the capable hands of the veterinary staff at the wildlife hospital, who will help him learn to be the best fox he can be before they release him back into the wild.”
Hero Viral wrote, “This 4 month old fox had actually fallen so deep that he couldn’t get out himself. As to why the fox came to the construction site, chances are the construction forced his family to move out of their home. They give the poor fox a bath and now he looks like a proper fox! According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), animals find themselves at threat against various land developments and hence they decide to move out and go somewhere else.”
BREAKING NEWS! Miami-Dade County Commisioners will vote this week to decide whether to end the ban of pitbull s in Miami. We need your help to e-mail all of the County Commissioners to ask them to End BSL in Miami-Dade and allow Pitbulls in Miami again. This 20 plus year Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has caused the death of thousands of innocent pit bulls at the Miami-Dade Shelter. If the commissioners hear from enough people they may overturn the pitbull ban. To read more on this story, click here:BREAKING NEWS! Miami-Dade Will Vote This Week Whether To End Their Pitbull Ban
Montreal's SPCA will ask the Quebec Superior Court to review the city's new animal control bylaw in a bid to have the sections targeting "pit bull-type dogs" declared illegal. The SPCA said the action will be presented at the Montreal courthouse on Thursday. The bylaw, which will ban new ownership of pit bulls and pit-bull type dogs, was passed by city council on Tuesday, and goes into effect Oct. 3. But the SPCA wants the sections of the new bylaw concerning "pit bull-type dogs" declared illegal on the following grounds:
It discriminates by creating additional and punitive obligations for owners and guardians of pit bull-type dogs, which the SPCA argues are not dangerous.
It is "vague and imprecise" in its definition of pit bull-type dogs and makes it "impossible to know which dogs fall into this category."
It fails to include a means to challenge the designation of a dog as a pit bull-type breed.
It contravenes Article 898.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec, which grants animals the status of sentient beings, as well as sections of the Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
It is unreasonable that the bylaw treats all pit bull-type dogs as dangerous dogs despite what the agency says is the lack of credible evidence that they are inherently dangerous.
Animal rights advocates have criticized the bylaw, pointing out that many cities that have implemented similar legislation have since repealed the laws. A spokesperson for the City of Montreal said the municipality has a "well-recognized" right to pass animal control regulations, especially where it concerns the safety of Montrealers. To read more on this story, click here:Montreal SPCA to Take Legal Action Against New Bylaw Targeting Pit Bulls
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“Black Dog Syndrome” is a phenomenon in which, for whatever reason, black dogs are passed over for adoption in favor of lighter-colored animals. Black dogs are more likely to be killed in shelters regardless of their breed. Some say it’s because they look scary or angry, you can’t read their expressions as easily as other colors, they don’t look as good in photos (hard to take a great adoption photo when you can’t get the facial features you can with other colors), some saying that their black fur hides their distinct personalities. Help break stereotypes and spread the truth by sharing this post on your wall with the hashtag #BlackDogDay to spread the word! Here are ten reasons why you should adopt a black dog. 1. Black Dogs Are Just As Loyal And Loving As Any Other Colored Dog
I feel like this should go without saying, but we should open up this list with a big ole truth. Black dogs are just as adventurous, snuggly, protective, silly, and wonderful as any other color dog. Really let this sink in, especially if you are considering adopting a pup in the near future. 2. They Are Mysterious
One hardship black dogs face while trying to find their forever home is their online profile. Many shelters and rescues will advertise available animals with photos and black dogs, well, they can get lost in the shadows. If you see a photo of a black dog, don’t automatically think they are “less friendly” because a grainy photo may make it hard to distinguish their features… think of them as mysterious! They have an entire world to share with you, and you will be one of the select and privileged few to learn about all of the amazing qualities this animal has. 3. Easier To Clean
OK, maybe they aren’t easier to clean, but having a dog shed black fur shows you EXACTLY where you need to sweep or vacuum. They can also get away with skipping a bath every now and then, as long as you don’t make a habit of it. 4. Protection
Yes, black dogs get a bad rap, but why not use it to your benefit? If you are looking for a “tough” dog, what better than a cuddly black Labrador disguised as a “menacing” black Labrador? They will protect your from potential attackers with their very threatening looks…who cares if they are actually giving the look to a squirrel and not the creepy dude down the street? Creepy dude will never know. 5. They’re Ready For Every Formal Event
Black tie event? No sweat, your black pup is ready to go. Throw on a little bow-tie and they’ll be out-dressing half of the crowd by default. Black dogs aren’t mean or evil, they are sophisticated, like the James Bond of canines. 6. They Look Great In Snowy Instagram Photos
Are you an avid hiker/winter aficionado? A black dog is absolutely perfect for you. They will look wonderful in all of your winter photos and you would have a really difficult time losing them in a snowy scene. 7. Actually, They Will Look Great In Pretty Much Every Photo
Case in point: Fred Levy’s stunning series of black dogs. Remember that rescues and shelters probably don’t have the latest DSLR, so they aren’t capturing all of the beautiful details of an adoptable black dog. Prove everyone wrong, adopt a black dog, and watch your Instagram feed gain a massive amount of followers. 8. They Are Natural Heaters
Science says so: black absorbs heat, which means dogs with black fur are perfect snuggling companions on chilly nights. Your gas and/or electric bill will thank you. 9. You’ll Be A Trendsetter
The weird thing is, one of the reasons experts believe Black Dog Syndrome exists is because of their “generic” look. People want distinct, unique pups. But if everyone has a perfectly groomed Pomeranian, it gets kind of boring. Mix things up in your social circle and be ahead of the curve by adopting a stunning black beauty. 10. They Are Available And Waiting For You!
There are so many loving, wonderful pups with black coats sitting in shelters, waiting for their forever home. There is no waiting list or difficult search for black dogs, since unfortunately they get the short end of the adoption stick. If you are seriously considering adopting a dog (and want one NOW), why not a loyal, lovable, black pup?
Montreal just put hundreds of shelter dogs on notice: Get out of the city now or get put down. The Canadian city's new law, which was passed on Tuesday, is a terrifying ultimatum for animals whose only crime is being born a pit bull — loosely defined as American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers or any mix of these breeds. Since the story broke, hundreds of individuals and rescue groups across Canada and the U.S. have been asking the same question: How can we help? It turns out there are a lot of ways to save these dogs. But not a lot of time. By October 3, just days from now, the legislation will prevent any pit bull from being adopted from the city's shelters. To read more on this story, click here:Here's How You Can Help Victims Of Montreal's Pit Bull Ban
City councilors in Montreal just signed a death warrant for thousands of dogs in the Canadian city. At a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon, legislators voted in 37 to 23 favor of breed-specific legislation, effectively outlawing any dog that resembles a pit bull — unless owners meet a strict set of conditions. "I have a responsibility as the mayor of Montreal to protect the citizens," Mayor Denis Coderre told reporters after the vote. But pit bull-type dogs currently in city shelters need not apply. Under the ban — which loosely covers American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers — no dog considered a pit bull can be adopted from Montreal shelters. "For dogs that don't have an 'owner' on the day of the passing of the legislation, the way the legislation is drafted, the dogs have to be euthanized," Alanna Devine, of the Montreal SPCA, told The Dodo last week. To read more on this story, click here:Montreal Just Delivered A Death Sentence To Thousands Of Dogs
Ago just got a new lease on life and a new brother to go with it! After seeing a video of a blind Bulldog, one couple drove across the country to get their own blind dog a new brother. Ago, who was originally named Batty, got a rough start in life. Born with a rare birth defect in both of his eyes that made him blind, Ago was eventually left at the Sacramento SPCA covered in ulcers and feces when he was just a pup. Because of the condition he was in, the shelter’s staff believes Batty was a part of a litter of backyard bred dogs. The staff believe Ago’s parents are related and that caused Ago’s blindness. You see, their own dog Soto is also blind. So they already had experience dealing with a blind dog and thought it would be great if Soto could have a blind brother. Krauss and Weyers had been looking to adopt a Bulldog. And as soon as they saw Ago, they knew they had to get him. “We knew we wanted to rescue a Bulldog. We hadn’t found one that was the right fit,” Kraus explained. “Then I saw this Bulldog. And lo and behold we have such experience with this condition.” That’s where Cassidy Kraus and her boyfriend Brett Weyers came in. As soon as they saw a video of the 4-month-old pup online, they knew he had to be a part of their family. “I just had to have this puppy,” Krauss told Inside Edition. Kraus and Weyers have trained Soto using word commands. They can tell Soto if he needs to step down from a curb or up a step. And they planned on training Ago the same way. The problem? Kraus and Weyers live all the way in Wisconsin. They applied to adopt Ago from the SPCA in Sacramento, but Krauss told Inside Edition, “I really didn’t think much would come of it because it was so far away.” Fortunately, Kraus and Weyers were accepted. So they packed up Soto and drove across the country to see if Soto and Ago would get along. And of course they did. Soto was so excited to meet Ago, he ran into a pole! Weyers, Kraus, Soto and his new brother drove the 32 hours back home to Wisconsin. Now Ago has been busy settling into his new life with his family: figuring out the elevator and learning when Soto’s had enough of Ago’s puppy energy. But while Ago may have a little adjusting to do, they’ve become a happy family. If you’re interested in helping dogs like Ago, please consider donating to the Sacramento SPCA.
As if a father-son road trip wasn't adventurous enough. Imagine travelling with two pugs, a pomeranian and a pit bull in an RV. "Dog whisperer" Cesar Millan and his 22-year-old son Andre are touring the country while filming their new Nat Geo Wild series "Cesar Millan's Dog Nation." The duo arrived in Chicago last week and plan to leave the city Wednesday after stops at Calumet Park for the Southeast Chicago Dog Fest; Michigan Avenue for window shopping; and Giordano's for a slice of deep dish pizza, despite the elder Millan's lack of cheese tolerance. Along the way, the longtime dog behaviorist and his son shared tips with the Southeast Chicago Dog Park Committee about building a successful dog park and 20somethings about adopting their first dog. "I want Andre to come in and teach the youth about prevention, what it means to be a responsible dog owner," Cesar Millan said during his visit to Tribune Tower last week. To read more on this story, click here:Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan Visits Chicago Braves Deep Dish Pizza
Regulators have suspended the license of a doctor in Chicago who allegedly gave patients modified vaccinations containing cat saliva and vodka. The Illinois department of financial and professional regulation ordered the emergency action in the interest of public safety, according to paperwork signed by acting director Jessica Baer. After hearing complaints from health care providers that children were getting unapproved oral versions of childhood shots from Dr. Ming Te Lin, investigators visited Lin’s practice. They found a cluttered, unsterile office and “a box filled with vials and tubes that [Lin] was using to make his own vaccinations.” Lin told investigators he had been preparing alternative vaccinations for children for more than a decade, according to the order. Despite his unapproved methods, Lin is accused of signing state forms certifying he had given pediatric patients their conventional shots. Charts showed the patients who received unapproved oral vaccines included a seven-day-old infant. A phone message and email seeking comment from Lin on the allegations were not immediately returned. Lin added alcohol and sometimes cat saliva gathered with a swab from a cat’s mouth for patients with allergies, he told investigators, and he used a device called the “WaveFront 2000” to detoxify vaccinations from mercury. Lin gave vaccines orally or in a nasal form if the patient or a family member had a history of autism, eczema or neurological disorder. None of Lin’s methods is approved by the Food and Drug Administration or regarded as legitimate medicine. He didn’t inform his patients of the risks of failing to follow vaccine guidelines, the state’s paperwork says. A hearing before the Medical Disciplinary Board is set for 11 October in Chicago.
