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

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Dog Owners - Wild Mushrooms are Toxic for Your Dog – Could Be Fatal


Doctors advise that pets as well as humans are at risk of mushroom poisoning.

There are different types of mushrooms that can have varied effects on pets such as, depression, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tearing, hallucinations, defecation, liver failure, seizures, drooling, urination, kidney failure, heart damage, hyperactivity and in some cases, death.

Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, mushrooms are a very complex group of fungi. Certain species of mushrooms, such as the types you find in the grocery store, are considered to be nontoxic, while other wild species can be very toxic. Some have been known to cause liver and kidney damage, while others result in severe gastrointestinal and even neurological effects.

Because a toxic mushroom could be growing right alongside a nontoxic one, identifying what type the animal ingested can be tricky. Because of this, we advise that pet owners not allow their animals to ingest any wild mushrooms. And since we often cannot get a positive identification of the exact species involved, it is important to treat all wild mushroom ingestions very seriously.




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An Anne Arundel County Woman Now Holds the State Record for Catching the Largest Common Dolphinfish


Ocean City, Maryland,  An Anne Arundel County woman now holds the state record for catching the largest common dolphinfish, also known as mahi mahi.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said Kristy Frashure of Pasadena reeled in the 74.5-pound fish during a tournament in Ocean City Friday.

Frashure told the DNR it took 20 to 30 minutes to reel in the fish.




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Three Red Panda Cubs Born At The Virginia Zoo


Norfolk, Virginia - The Virginia Zoo welcomed three adorable red panda cubs.

Mom, three-year-old Masu, and dad, four-year-old Timur, welcomed three red panda cubs on June 18.

The two male and one female cubs weighed about five ounces at birth, but now they're just over a pound.

“Having red panda triplets is a unique situation,” said Dr. Colleen Clabbers, the Zoo’s Veterinarian. “It’s a lot of work for mom to care for three newborns, but Masu is doing a great job caring for the triplets, and all three have been thriving.”

Red pandas are tree-dwelling animals that are native to the eastern Himalayan. In the wild, they are usually found in habitats in Myanmar, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Tibet, and China.


At the Virginia Zoo, Momma Masu gave birth in an indoor, climate-controlled den where she has been nursing and bonding with her cubs.

The den is out of view to the public, but it is monitored by by Zoo Keepers and Animal Care Staff. Masu and the cubs will make their way to the original Red panda exhibit off the main pathway later this fall when Keepers feel they can confidently navigate the trees and other exhibit features.

“Our Animal Care team had a great strategy last year in moving Masu to the Animal Wellness Campus while she was still pregnant, providing privacy for her first birth experience. She took great care of her cubs last year, which is why we opted to do the same thing again this time around,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo. “We’re excited to introduce Masu and the triplets to the public this fall!”

What will the cubs be named? The Virginia Zoo is auctioning naming rights of the cubs in support of red panda conservation.

The public can place bids on each of the cubs’ names through August 30.

Click here to place a bid on the cub's name, or to learn more.





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Sunday, August 18, 2019

DC Ranks 2nd in Top 10 Cities for Prevalence of Heartworms in Pets


The D.C. area ranks second in the nation out of 200 metropolitan cities examined for cases of heartworm disease among pets, according to a report by the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Washington comes in behind Moreno Valley, California, on the list and above Newark, New Jersey, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the top five.

Craig Prior, past CAPC president, says that the organization has seen a 20% rise in cases of heartworm disease nationally in the last five years.

“When we’re seeing these spikes in the prevalence rates in places like D.C. and other areas where you normally won’t see large numbers of heartworms, we realize that there’s something going on here that you need to be aware of and that you need to talk to your veterinarian because your dog has got the potential to be exposed,” said Prior, who has been a veterinarian for more than 35 years.

To read more on this story, click here: DC ranks 2nd in top 10 cities for prevalence of heartworms in pets


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Sir Patrick Stewart and Wife Sunny Ozell Rescue Their 3rd Pit Bull


Sir Patrick Stewart and his wife Sunny Ozell are passionate about pit bulls. They made a goal to foster three of them during this season’s filming of Picard and in bringing Ella home, they have met that goal.

Sunny is clearly smitten with Ella already, saying on Instagram that she has taken to calling her Ella Bella Cinderella because she is such a “pretty princess.” Like countless other pitties, she enjoys snuggling up on the couch under the comfort of a cozy blanket.

Stewart and Ozell work with the rescue group Wags and Walks in fostering these wonderful pups. Based in Los Angeles, the group rescues family friendly dogs and works to find them foster and forever homes. They rely on donations to keep things running as well as fundraising through various event. Tickets are on sale now for their 9th annual Wags & Walks Benefit Gala in October. The star-studded event will be hosted by the fabulous Judy Greer and Sir Patrick and Sunny will be special guests.

To read more on this story, click here: Sir Patrick Stewart and Wife Sunny Ozell Rescue Their 3rd Pit Bull


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This Cat Lost His Limbs To Frostbite And Now He Was Fitted With Artificial Ones


In Siberia, Russia the winter can be incredibly harsh, the temperature can drop to severe lows (-60°c). Even summer in this country can be overshadowed by rain and some snow. That is why people have to prepare to help them through the extreme cold and dark months. However, not all animals are as resilient and can survive through the rough weather.

Ryzhik (Ginger or Redhead) was found Tomsk, the city of Siberia where temperatures dropped to minus 40°c. All of his paws were so badly frostbitten, with gangrene setting in quickly and the vet had no other option but amputation. Despite losing all limbs, Ryzhik’s new owner didn’t give up him and decided to take him to a clinic in Novosibirsk, where can set him up with four prosthetic paws.

To read more on this story, click here: This Cat Lost His Limbs To Frostbite And Now He Was Fitted With Artificial Ones

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Couple Is Proud Of Having The Longest Cat In The World


Stephy Hirst from Australia always knew her kitty Omar was a big guy. Still, she was surprised when Guinness Records contacted her saying he might be the longest feline in the world. “At first I thought ‘is this real?’,” said Hirst. “We thought he might be (the longest cat in the world) but we hadn’t done anything about it because he might not be fully grown yet.”

“(Omar) was tiny when we got him but then he just started growing and was at 22 lbs one year old.” Hirst decided to measure Omar and he came in around 3.93 ft weighing 30.86 lbs. Up until now, this Guinness title belonged to UK-based Maine Coon Ludo, who is measured at around 3.88 ft.

After the his picture was posted on Cats Of Instagram, Omar became an Internet sensation. However, stardom doesn’t affect his daily routine, which includes waking up at 5 AM, eating kibble for breakfast, napping outside on the trampoline, and enjoying some raw kangaroo meat for dinner.

“He sleeps on the couch … because he takes up too much room on the bed and he demands we cuddle and pet him all through the night.” Hirst says her husband always wanted a big cat – well, there you have it!

To read more on this story, click here: Couple Is Proud Of Having The Longest Cat In The World


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Dog Dies From Starvation At Training Facility


CONTENT ADVISORY
This post contains graphic content and pictures that may be upsetting to some. Viewer discretion is advised.

Dallas, an 9-month-old miniature bull terrier, was brought to Off-Leash K9 Training facility to be potty trained and learn basic obedience. His owners thought they were leaving their beloved dog in the care of professionals and never imagined any harm would come to him. Instead of being treated like a family member, Dallas was deprived of food and starved to death.

Dallas spent five weeks at Off-Leash K9 Training in Johnson City, Tennessee. During that time the family said they were told they couldn’t visit because it would disrupt the training. Originally, Dallas was scheduled for two weeks of training, but the owners said the trainer told them he needed more time for housebreaking.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog Dies From Starvation At Training Facility

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