Miley Cyrus Welcomes Overlooked Stray Dog Into Her Home

Daisy the Bulldog appeared at the fire station, like many stray dogs do. The Fresno County firefighters were unsure what to do at first. They thought she might have somewhere to return to, so they waited. But sweet little Daisy didn’t budge. For four nights, she slept on the doormat outside the station, waiting for someone to love her.

After some consideration, Fire Captain Lucian Neely called his brother, who recently lost his Bulldog. His brother agreed to foster the dog, but Daisy still needed a forever home. Luckily, all her patience would eventually paid off.

To read more on this story, click here: Miley Cyrus Welcomes Overlooked Stray Dog Into Her Home

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Two More Asian 'Murder Hornets' Found In Washington State

BIRCH BAY, Wash. (KOMO) — Officials in Whatcom County, Washington State said Friday that two Asian giant hornets have turned up in recent days, one of them captured in a trap and another one that startled diners when it flew up at a Birch Bay restaurant.

The most recent sightings of the insects, known as the murder hornet, add to the growing number of observations in which the giant bug seems to be gaining a foothold in Washington state. That worries scientists and researchers because of the devastating affects the murder hornets can have on local honey bee populations and other insect colonies.

To read more on this story, click here: Two More Asian 'Murder Hornets' Found In Washington State

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What To Do (And Not Do) When You Find A Stray Kitten

Finding a stray kitten curled up under your deck or meowing plaintively on the side of the road can feel as exciting as finding a $100 bill on the sidewalk. Those tiny triangle ears! The blue eyes! Stray kittens are undeniably cute, but finding one outside by itself brings up a long list of questions—not to mention potential problems you now need to solve. How you choose to move forward could be the difference between life and death for that innocent little kitten. Whether you want to make the little one part of your family or not, there are steps you need to take to help that kitten survive.

To read more on this story, click here: What To Do (And Not Do) When You Find A Stray Kitten

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Busch Beer Launches Dog Brew, A Beverage Made Specifically For Dogs

 

(FOX NEWS) -- Why should humans have all the fun?

Busch Beer introduced a new, non-alcoholic "brew" for dogs Wednesday, which not-so-coincidentally also happened to be National Dog Day.

Busch Dog Brew is bone broth that, Busch's says, has lots of nutrients and a dog-friendly flavor. And for anyone interested, it is also safe for humans to drink, according to the brewery.

To read more on this story, click here: Busch Beer Launches Dog Brew, A Beverage Made Specifically For Dogs

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Dog in Need of Family After Rescue Helps Her Overcome Disability – Please Share!

Washington, DC - Sylvia was found without working back legs and is now fitted for a wheelchair to be able to keep up with other dogs

A local shelter dog has overcome the odds and is now looking for a permanent home.

Sylvia was born without the use of her back legs. Her foster mom said she was found in a forest in Puerto Rico. Sylvia apparently had to drag her legs behind her to keep up with her siblings. “She could’ve given up when she was in that forest and she would never have gotten to where she is today, but she never gives up,” said Amanda Filtrin, Sylvia’s foster mom.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog in Need of Family After Rescue Helps Her Overcome Disability – Please Share!

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A Dumped Dog's Prayer

I did not write this poem, the author is unknown. I am posting it hoping that it will touch someone who is thinking about abandoning their pet(s). I am hoping that they will try and find a place for them before dumping them in the streets.

Times are hard now for all of us, and some people can no longer care for a pet. Please consider checking with family, friends or your local animal shelter before leaving your pet behind.

                                              A Dumped Dog's Prayer

Don't close the door! Don't push me away. Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay. Slow down the car, I can't keep up. This pavement is hot and my pads are cut. I've got to quit running or my heart will pop. Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop? I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near. But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.

Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet. They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets. Every car that passes, I chase it to see If it's my master coming for me. Though I approach those that come near With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear. With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare, They threaten to kill me - they don't even care. Batter my body with rocks that they throw, I will not leave, he will come, don't you know? Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb. I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come! I will go back where he first threw me out. I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.

My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead. I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head. It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still. There is my master at my home on the hill. Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name. His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same. He decided he wants me. Things will be fine. I really do love him, that master of mine. My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath. He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!

Author Unknown

                                                 He found a place to sleep.

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Does Your Pet Have Allergies? – Do You Know The Symptoms?

Does your pet have allergies? Did you know that they have some of the same symptoms that we do? Depending on the type of allergy, your pet may have different symptoms. Although pets occasionally exhibit watery eyes and some sneezing, the most common reaction is scratching. Constant scratching may lead to raised infected welts, open sores, and loss of hair. Ear infections are also common in dogs with allergies.

Although seasonal allergies in dogs and cats are common, they don't usually manifest in pets the same way they do in humans. We humans will sneeze, cough, and get congested, but dogs and cats tend to get skin problems, even when they inhale allergens.

The most common form of allergy in dogs and cats is called atopy. Atopy is often seasonal. If a pet is allergic to ragweed, symptoms occur in the fall. Pets who are allergic to spring tree pollen will show signs in April and May. If a pet is allergic to dust mites, the symptoms may be most dramatic in the winter, when more time is spent inside. Signs of atopy include:

• Chewing at the feet
• Constant licking of the flank (side) and groin area
• Rubbing of the face
• Inflamed ears or recurrent ear infections
• Recurrent hot spots in dogs and pinpoint facial scabbing in cats
• Asthma-like wheezing and respiratory problems is more likely in cats

Cats:
There are four known types of allergies in the cat: contact, flea, food, and inhalant. Each of these has some common expressions in cats, and each has some unique features.

Contact - flea collars or to types of bedding
Flea - irritation in response to flea bites
Food – General cat allergens are soy, wheat gluten, corn, and fish. They can be allergic to just about anything though.

Inhalant - Cats may be allergic to all of the same inhaled allergens that affect us.




 

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Lyme Disease in Dogs: What You Need To Know

You’ve probably heard of Lyme disease. You or someone you know may have even tested positive for it, but did you know that your furry friend is just as at-risk for exposure to this dangerous disease as you are, maybe even more so? Fortunately, cats are not at risk for acquiring Lyme disease, but as we now know, their canine counterparts certainly are.

Research indicates that in 2016 and 2017, 1 in 8 dogs in Roanoke County tested positive for Lyme disease. In 2018, 1 in 9 dogs in Roanoke County tested positive, an improvement from previous years. It may seem hopeful that perhaps the tick population in our area is now less than what it was in previous years, however we strongly believe fewer dogs have tested positive for Lyme disease because of increased efforts to prevent disease transmission, like vaccination and year-round flea/tick prevention. So what exactly is Lyme disease and how can you protect your dog? We’ll answer these questions and more in this blog post!

To read more on this story, click here: Lyme Disease in Dogs: What You Need To Know

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Center for Pet Safety Awards a 5 Star Crash Test Rating to Away’s Pet Carrier

The Center for Pet Safety, the 501(c)(3) research and consumer advocacy organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety, today awarded Away a 5 Star Crash Test Rating for their new Pet Carrier.

CPS is leading the first scientific approach to pet product safety and the Pet Travel Carrier Crash Test Protocol and Rating System provides essential guidelines for pet product manufacturers. The test protocol, which is a result of the 2015 Pet Carrier Crashworthiness Study conducted by Center for Pet Safety and sponsored by Subaru of America outlines a consistent test methodology and evaluation program to ensure pet travel carriers offer crash protection.

To read more on this story, click here: Center for Pet Safety Awards a 5 Star Crash Test Rating to Away’s Pet Carrier

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National Zoo Panda Update: Mom Mei Xiang Leaves Cub on its Own for the First Time (LISTEN)

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — The new giant panda cub at the National Zoo and mom Mei Xiang hit a milestone today, almost a week after the cub's birth.

According to panda caretakers, Mei Xiang left the den twice early Thursday morning to get a drink of water. It was the first time she's left her cub alone.

To read more on this story, click here: National Zoo Panda Update: Mom Mei Xiang Leaves Cub on its Own for the First Time (LISTEN)

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Man Builds A “Bar” For Squirrels In His Backyard That Serves Nuts

We all have our careers, and then on the side, we have our hobbies. For the most part, our hobbies are different from what we do for a living, but sometimes some people get lucky and their careers overlap with their hobbies.

One Fire Protection Technician, Matt Thompson, also likes to spend his free time doing woodworking, his hobby. Thompson noticed that there were people who were trying multiple attempts to create picnic tables for squirrels. He became inspired by the woodworking and chose to make his own version. Matt decided to get a little fancy with his idea and chose to make a bar for the squirrels to be able to hang out on the fence of his backyard.

To read more on this story, click here: Man Builds A “Bar” For Squirrels In His Backyard That Serves Nuts

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Last Night Around 5:40 p.m., Mei Xiang Placed the Cub on the Floor of Her Den for Just a Few Seconds

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Giant panda Mei Xiang continues to exhibit excellent maternal care and is attentive to her cub. Regular, loud cub vocalizations are signs of good health and music to the panda team’s ears!

Last night around 5:40 p.m., Mei Xiang placed the cub on the floor of her den for just a few seconds, giving all of those watching the Panda Cam a fantastic view of her growing cub. It let out a few hearty squeals, and Mei Xiang immediately picked the cub up, cradled it and gave a few comforting licks.”

To read more on this story, click here: Last Night Around 5:40 p.m., Mei Xiang Placed the Cub on the Floor of Her Den for Just a Few Seconds

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Nationwide Recall Issued For Dog Food Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

 

On August 24, 2020 Sunshine Mills, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with On August 24, 2020 Sunshine Mills, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

To read more on this story, click here: Nationwide Recall Issued For Dog Food Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

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Dangerous Household Products That Can Hurt Your Dog

Do you know that the products that you use to clean your home can hurt your dog? Here are some tips on “Dog Proofing Your Home!”

Keep these items away from your dog:

Household Cleaners:
Ammonia, disinfectants, fabric softener and bleach. Keep chemicals and cleaners securely locked away.

Indoor Plants:
Mistletoe, marijuana, poinsetta, tobacco, cactus, dumb cane, and philodendron.

Outdoor Plants:
Azaleas, daffodils, horse chestnuts, tulips, wild mushrooms, rhubarb, and morning glories

Pesticides: Rat poisons, bug sprays

Personal Items:
Antidepressant and prescription drugs, hairspray and nail polish can also hurt your dog.

Insect control products, such as the insecticides used in many over-the-counter flea and tick remedies, may be toxic to animals.

Human medications such as pain killers, aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to animals. Always keep medication containers, and tubes of ointments and creams away from pets. If you drop a pill, make sure you find it immediately and dispose of it.

Holiday decorations and lights are beautiful, however they do pose a risk to cats and dogs.  Keep these items out of the reach of  pets.

Avoid using mothballs in the outdoor environment they are toxic to wildlife. Boric acid dust or solution is corrosive and toxic to pets, and commonly found in ant killer and cleaners.

When using fertilizer, as with lawn weed killer products, read manufacturer instructions carefully. Some granular and liquid sprays contain enough concentrated nutrients so that contact exposure can lead to paw irritation.

Though puppies are always chewing…keep household batteries away from them. Leaking batteries are a risk to any pet. Old batteries should be disposed of by recycling. Large batteries that spill are very dangerous as concentrated sulfuric acid can literally eat through the pads of a dog walking over the area. Small round button batteries like those in watches and cameras are sometimes swallowed, and usually pass through without harm.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), states that cigarettes contain nicotine. If a cat eats too much tobacco they can become ill. Symptoms include vomiting, agitation, diarrhea and increased breathing rate. The dog can experience weakness, muscle twitching, and could go into a  coma and possibly die.

Licking up antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid and gasoline can cause your dog to become ill. Antifreeze does not have much of an odor or foul taste and your cat is likely to lap it up without thinking. Some brands of antifreeze have gone so far as to use additives in their products to make them less attractive to animals. It only takes a small amount, less than a tablespoon, to be fatal to your dog because of liver damage. Be sure to keep your dog away when you are working with antifreeze and clean up any spills immediately and dispose of the clean-up rags properly

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), also states that the signs of ethylene glycol antifreeze poisoning really depend on the amount of time that has lapsed since ingestion. Approximately thirty minutes to an hour after ingesting antifreeze, grogginess, disorientation and lethargy may occur. The initial signs for ethylene glycol antifreeze may look like drunkenness. Vomiting, diarrhea and ultimately kidney failure will follow 12 to 24 hours later. Since there is a narrow window of opportunity for managing antifreeze poisoning before kidney damage occurs, it is critical to get your dog to a veterinarian for prompt treatment.

Do not let your dog drink from puddles. These products taste appealing to pets but most are lethal to animals when ingested. So thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. Also, keep your pets far away from any suspect puddles.

Pencils:
For some reason pencils seem to be the perfect chewing toy for puppies and older dogs.  The Lead Education and Abatement Design Group (LEAD) is a not-for-profit community organization which develops and provides information and referrals on lead poisoning and lead contamination prevention and management. They state that, “Every source of information we've ever read says there is no lead in graphite pencils, except that one graphite pencil tested had 1.6% lead in the graphite".

The Friendship Animal Hospital  in Washington, DC, states that the following actions should be taken if you feel that your dog has eaten a pencil.

Pencil "lead" is actually graphite with traces of iron. Graphite is essentially non-toxic. So I would not be worried about poisoning from the pencil "lead". The wood pieces of the chewed up pencil, if ingested and sharp, could potentially cause severe intestinal problems.

Try to piece together the remains of the pencil and determine if your dog did actually swallow any of it. Perhaps he just chewed it into pieces and didn't actually ingest it. If you think the dog did ingest pieces, based on the pencil remains were they chewed to tiny bits or larger slivered pieces? You are trying to determine if the dog actually swallowed pieces of pencil and if so were they sharp pieces of wood that could get lodged in the intestines? If you think the dog ingested sharp pieces you should go to the vet for x-rays. Also, any change in normal bowel movement, straining, black tarry stool, blood in stool, or indications of belly pain indicates a serious problem and you should go to the vet immediately!

If you feel confident that pieces ingested were tiny "chewed well" pieces they will most likely pass through your dog's digestive system with no problems. You could feed a little canned pumpkin or a small amount of metamucel to increase bulk/fiber which will help ease things through.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested any of these products, or if it shows any signs of illness. Please take them immediately to the nearest veterinary hospital.

Never, ever give your dog chicken bones.

The experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight. As the Premier Animal Poison Control Center in North America, they are your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

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