Pet First Aid

Wag'N Pet First Aid & Pet First Aid Instructor Course Schedule

2011-12-15T15:19:00.000-05:00

2012 SCHEDULE OF

PET FIRST AID CLASSES

Fri, March 23, 2012 - 10am-6pm

Sat, April 21, 2012 - 10am-6pm

Sat, May 12, 2012 - 10am-6pm

Sat, June 9, 2012 - 10am-6pm

Fri, Sept 28, 2012 - 10am-6pm

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 - 10am-6pm

Sat, Nov 3, 2012 - 10am-6pm

To Read More Click Here

To Register Click Here

2012 SCHEDULE OF

PET FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR 3-DAY COURSES

MARCH 23 - 25, 2012

SEPT 28 - 30, 2012

To Read More Click Here

To Register Click Here

LOCATION

Wag'N Headquarters

483B Carlisle Dr

Herndon, VA 20170

www.WAGNPETSAFETY.com

Things to consider before gifting a pet during this holiday season

2011-12-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

By Ines de Pablo

Ahh...the season of giving! Why not add a pup to the human pack? Please take the following suggestions into consideration before slapping a red bow on a puppy then stuffed it into a box and hope no one notices until Christmas morning – hint…not our or the puppy’s preferred method to join a pack! Don’t believe me? Read a Dog’s Plea.
The decision to bring a dog into your family should be a family decision, not a surprise gift. Everyone, including the children, should educate themselves on different breeds of dogs and decide what breed or mixed breed would fit best into their lifestyle. An adult in the household will be responsible for this pet, not the children. The adult must be willing to accept this responsibility and be willing to care for this pet for the next 15 or so years, which may well be long after the children lose interest or leave the nest.
We strongly discourage parents from giving pups and/or kittens to their children as impulse holiday gifts. While some children can help with some age-appropriate responsibilities, pets require adult caretakers. Here are some facts about pet adoption and living with children:
- As the adult you will be in charge of training both the animal and the child to be safe around each other.
- Reasoning with toddlers and puppies is a colossal waste of time and oxygen.
- Most dogs brought to shelters are surrendered because of the animal’s lack of training leading to “ bad behavior”.
- Since animals became pets living inside our homes and with improved preventative and emergency veterinary care a dog’s lifespan ranges from 8 to 18 years depending on size, breeding, training and overall health care. Cats can live well into their 20s.
- Even the brightest youngsters typically don't have the strength, attention span, self-discipline and physical strength to care for a dog or cat. Time will get the child’s attention redirected to friends, school, social activities and eventually dating and planning for college before you even know it…and your pet is still very much alive and wagging. Still yours to care for.
- Unlike with other holiday presents, owners cannot just replace or remove batteries or put the animal away in storage when life gets busier after school starts again…oh yeah, puppies do pee on things they are not supposed to.
- Too many pets that were given as gifts get ignored, or surrendered to shelters, once the excitement of the holiday is over and the realization of the responsibility involved sinks in.
- Most pets you adopt, especially the younger ones may not be trained…like at anything. Are we really ready for that and how will we handle the first incident.
- What Dogs Need: Training, Time, Exercise, Food, Water, Shelter, Health Care, Grooming, some more Training, Love, Respect, Leadership, some more Training, definitely more exercise and for you to care enough to keep doing this for the next 15 or so years.

We have all met that great responsible youngster – your kid, right? -that promises to take care of the pet FOREVER AND EVER, but let’s face it, they are not lying, they just cannot predict the future. Neither can we, however since we – the adults – have been around a bit longer we have to recognize that change is the only constant in life. Based on experience I can assert that in a great majority of cases, parents becomes the primary caretaker, doing the feeding, walks, litter scooping and all of the other chores. One of the greatest errors parents make is treating the animal as if she were the property of any one person. The “Jack wanted a dog, he promised to take care of it and so he will” mindset meant to remind Jack that the animal is his “property” in most cases accomplishes nothing more than setting the stage for family conflict to determine who is going to feed or clean up after the animal. This sends kids the message that caring for companion animals is a burden, rather than a privilege. This is wrong for the child and especially the animal. Both look up to you, the adult, for leadership and responsibility.

Great ideas need to sound good in your mind and out loud! Discuss the matter with your spouse and other family members. Listen to their input. Balance out the pros and cons. Then make a decision.

Furthermore, animals are not toys and giving a pet just to entertain a child sends the wrong message to the child. Animals are living breathing creatures who require substantial time, daily care, food, obedience training, vet bills and occasional pet sitters or kennels. Children get bored with gifts, and it's heartbreaking when families grow tired of the growing dog. Studies show that too often the gift puppy is given up within the first year, starved for training, socialization and affection. Regardless of what parents tell children and neighbors, the reality is that too many wonderful dogs go un-adopted at shelters.

So as you walk by that pet store, consider the following:
- Pets should not be an impulse purchase. You can’t just turn the puppy off when it whines too much, takes a number 1 on your new iPad, chews the cables of your new Xbox, chews or swallows those toys your kids had also been asking for, etc.
- Most of us are just too preoccupied with the festivities to take on the responsibility of a new pet.
- What will you do with the animal when you travel? Will you be traveling with the pet or boarding it somewhere? How long will you be gone for? Do you have any idea how much boarding cost? Can you afford it? Find out before you get the animal home.
- Should the Puppy phase fade out and you decide that the family cannot take care of the animal – generally happens in gifting situation within the first year following the adoption – that cute, irresistible pet will probably end up at a shelter. An important fact about local shelters is that there are only so few public shelters for so many animals, most of which are filled to capacity. That means that unless other animals are adopted out to make room for the new ones, euthanasia is the most plausible ending to an already sad tale.

And ask yourself
- Is the entire household ready for this?
- Why do we want a pet for the holidays?
- What do pets need? How can I provide it?
- How much time can we spend, starting the moment we get home to train and care for both child and puppy?
- Is this an “impulse want” or a “well thought out” want?

Refrain from Giving an “Unexpected Living Gift” because
- A person should be able to choose his or her own pet companion.
- Never give a cat or a dog to replace one that just died without their request. Some people need time to mourn their loss before they can welcome a new animal into their lives. When that person expresses the interest, discuss the next adoption with them first. They might not want the same breed or may prefer a certain age group.
- Unlike sweaters or socks, they aren’t as easily returnable if the fit isn’t just right. The new owner must be ready to make a commitment for the animal's entire lifetime and be prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with their new family member.
- You can't be sure that the recipient wants to take on the responsibility of a pet, including providing medical care for the next 10 to 20 years.
- It could backfire and cause heartache all around, especially for the animal involved.
- If you are gifting a pet to a person that has never had one, there are many factors to consider including the person or family's financial situation (can they afford veterinary care and dog food costs?), their living situation (is the home/building pet-friendly?), and their lifestyle (do they have time to invest in proper training, exercise, and attention?). Also consider that the adoption fee is a financial drop in the bucket compared to the lifetime cost of caring for another being. Food, litter, toys and other supplies quickly add up making a pet the gift that keeps on costing. And that’s if they are healthy and don’t need any medical attention. A sick pet can put a huge dent in a wallet in no time. In this economic climate, giving someone a gift with a potentially huge price tag is simply not fair.

Still considering adding a pet to your family? Here are some alternatives we invite you to consider this holiday season:
- Visit a local shelter or breeder or go on their website and find out what it takes to adopt, what breed or breed mix would be best for you and why; why they don’t recommend adopting during the holidays; what support and references they can provide once you adopt a pet and get an idea of what it will cost to care for the animal (veterinarian costs, food, fun, training, travel, boarding, etc).
- If your child is old enough to volunteer at a local shelter, sign him/her up for a couple of months. The child will learn something about compassion, responsibility, how to behave around animals, etc. If he/she still wants one of its own you will at least know that the desire is well-informed. That does not by any means get you – the parent – off the hook in terms of responsibility, however your child will have demonstrated that he/she is as ready as he/she will ever be.
- Give the Promise of a Pet Instead for those kids that have persistently been asking for a pet. For example, add a pet collar, toy or dog training book under the tree. You can also enclose a gift certificate or card from a shelter promising a pet for after the holidays so the family unit can go and visit a shelter or breeder together
- If you don't plan on giving an animal as a gift, you can still help the animals by donating food and toys to your local shelter.
- You could also donate money to pay for a neuter or spay for an animal at a shelter or for a pet owned by someone having financial difficulties. You might also make a donation in a name of a favorite animal lover.
- You can also foster rescue animals with your local shelter. Fostering is temporary –unless you decide to adopt – and helps an animal in need get some loving and wagging during the holidays. That also gives you time to assess if this is the right breed or time for your family to adopt.
- Give your child a stuffed dog instead.

My parents gave me about 20 stuffed dogs throughout the 13 years I pleaded for the real thing. Waiting was by far the best decision they made for all of us. Got my first dog at the age of 13 and my first unplanned dog at the age of 26. My first dog lived a happy 17 years ... and ended up dognapped by my parents when I moved to the USA...to make sure I study hard...bla bla bla....which led to my second dog adoption when I was 26. The Gypster is still very much Wag'N now that she is almost 9 years old. My college years were filled with kitty love.No regrets. Many Wags!

So Wag Responsibly This Holiday Season!

Wag’N Halloween Pet Safety Warning for 2011

2011-10-10T21:07:00.001-04:00

For pets, Halloween exerts a lot of strange, non-natural and abnormal behavior, attitudes, smells, food and clothing. As much fun as the holiday is, pet parents need to be mindful of certain hazards that may have a devastating effect on their pet’s health. Wag’N Enterprises encourages pet parents to create a Halloween safety plan.

The safety plan should include extra precautions needed for protecting your family, trick-or-treaters, and the pets. Every year, hundreds of pets become frightened by noises and strangers and ran outdoors during the "trick or treating" activities. It is best for dogs to get a long walk during day light prior to zombies, princesses and Charlie Sheen look-alikes start invading the streets.

Pets may be scared or spooked by the noise and strange looks of new oddly dressed strangers and may choose to bark aggressively, jump on, bite or bolt out the front door. All that while trying to defend or out of fear.

Wag’N cautions that open doors will provide for escape routes, children to scare and chase pets, as well as hazardous treats. Wag’N recommends pets are kept in an enclosed room away from the racket, crated, or in a dog pen hindering access to the home’s main entrance.

Whether the pet goes out or stays confined at home there will be many chances for it to run off or try too. All pets should wear up-to-date pet tags and be micro chipped before guests and/or trick-or-treaters start showing up. If for any reason the pet escapes and gets lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances the pet will be swiftly reunited with its family. Owners of black cats should consider keeping their cats inside starting one week prior to Halloween to protect them against people that may want to snatch them for strange practical jokes.

Trick or treating with dogs is not recommended for most pet parents. Some normally sociable pets may get spooked. Should the pet parents choose to dress up their pet, the costume needs to be fitted comfortably ensuring that the pet can see and breathe well. If the costume includes a face mask, there should be no lose hanging parts that may be ingested and areas near the snout and mouth need to allow for easy breathing and drinking.

Inside the home, dog tails can knock over candles. Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations and ornaments out of reach of both pets and small children. Halloween lights can cause digestive upsets or electrocution if swallowed, while electrical cords can cause electrocution if chewed.

Children and adults in your household should be reminded of how dangerous candy and chocolate can be to pets. Bromamine, found in chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. Leaving unsupervised pets with chew toys such as raw hides, bones, pig ears and greenies is not recommended as pets may choke on them and the lack of supervision may be deadly to the pet. Candies containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of Xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to lack of coordination, seizures, low blood sugar and liver failure within hours. Xylitol is found in candy and gum. Other hazardous foods and items include tin foil, cellophane candy wrappers, meat strings, toothpicks, cookie dough, cooked bones and alcohol.

Once the trick-or-treaters are gone, pets can be rewarded with short walks, few treats and some TLC. Late night walkers must remain cautious of sneaky humans spooking pets and passersby as well as left-over-goodies on sidewalks.

Wag'N highly recommends pet parents keep important life saving phone numbers both in their cell phone registry and displayed on paper copy in a prominent well travelled area of the residence. Important numbers include their emergency veterinarian's phone number, the ASPCA Poison Control Center Number (888) 426-4435 and the Regular Poison Control Number (800)222-1222.

Unlike many other holidays, Wag’N reminds pet parents that human logic is not common pet sense! Awareness and caution will keep tails wagging this holiday season. For more information about Wag’N Enterprises, visit www.wagnpetsafety.com.

Dognapping Awareness & Prevention Tips

2011-10-10T20:35:00.000-04:00

Dognapping is on the rise as reported by a recent American Kennel Club (AKC) report
The ugly trade of pet theft is a serious problem. It is an organized, multimillion dollar business that lurks in shadows and goes unnoticed until it strikes your community, your home, your pet.
Why would any one steal your beloved pet? Well for many reasons, unfortunately. Some of the most mainstream motivations include:
1.    Selling pets to research laboratories or pet stores
2.    Subject them to sadistic religious or cult acts by psychopathic individuals
3.    Turn them into bait or fighters for dog-fighting rings
4.    Sell them to be used as puppy mill breeders
5.    Sell them as meat product to feed exotic pets or humans
6.    Having their fur made into clothing and accessories. It’s hard to distinguish cat fur from rabbit or shepherd from fox!
7.    To be sold or used as breeding partners for their dogs
8.    Selling them for profit on various online and news media venues for pure profit
9.    Crime of opportunity - “OMG its so cute I want it”
Yes. Some humans are simply sick. It is our responsibility as loving and dedicated pet owners to protect our most loyal companions. So here are on valuable tips on how to get started in that endeavor!

Pet Theft Prevention Tips

1. Pets should WEAR TAGS at all times. Rabies and license/registration tags are required by law in most municipalities. A tattoo/microchip warning tag (if appropriate) warns finders that your pet is permanently identified (tattoos may be hard to see on longhaired pets, and microchips can’t be seen at all) and gives them a central registry phone number to call. Lost pets without tags – especially cats – often don’t get reclaimed.
2. TATTOO and/or MICROCHIP all pets for positive identification (it’s best to do both). Tattoo your social security number, drivers license number (be sure to include your state) or your purebred pet’s registration number (be sure to include registry initials: AKC, UKC, CFA, etc.) inside the thigh or on the belly (ears can be torn due to injury, or cut off).

3. REGISTER all tattoos or microchips with the appropriate registry. An unregistered tattoo or microchip is useless. The person who tattoos your pet or injects the microchip should give you information on how to register it.
4. CONFINE your pets. The safest place for them when you’re not home is INDOORS. This includes cats, too!
5. PADLOCK GATES. If you must leave your dog outside in a fenced yard, at least make it difficult for others to get to him. Padlocks and chains should be placed high, so the ground can’t be used as leverage for bolt cutters.
6. Fit an alarm/bell to your gate so that you can hear visitors/trespassers enter your property.
7. Dogs that are kept tied in unfenced yards should be located OUT OF VIEW of passersby. The fence needs to be at least 6 feet high and padlocked.
8. NEVER let your dog off his chain or leash – even for a minute – if you won’t be right there to watch him the whole time! In most places it’s illegal, and it’s an open invitation for trouble!
9. Train your dog not to go out of your sight on walks. Use an extending lead if the dog does not comply. Vary your walk times and routes.
10. Don’t leave your dog tied in public places while you go in stores to shop! Depending on your county or state law this may aleady be illegal. If the dog must go shopping with make sure you only go to stores that allow the dog to enter. Otherwise leave the dog at home, NOT in a hot car!
11. If you have a doggy door. Lock it when you are not home! Let the dog do its business before you leave, let him in, lock door. Keeps it safe from snakes, wasps and bees and thieves.
12. SPAY or NEUTER all pets. This makes them less inclined to wander, and eliminates any resale value for breeding purposes.
13. If a stranger approaches you about buying or breeding to your pet, tell him the pet has been spayed or neutered, even if it hasn’t. WRITE DOWN the person’s name, address, and license plate number, and keep a close eye on your pet afterwards!
14. DO NOT put your pet’s name on his ID tag or display it on his dog house. A pet is much more likely to go to (and with) a stranger who calls him by name.
15. DO NOT talk to strangers about the value, bloodlines, training or special abilities of your pet.
16. If your pet loses its tags, get replacements right away! Remember, in order for the tags to protect your pet, your pet must be wearing the tags!
17. Slip collars (aka choke chains) are for training or walking only; pets should wear flat or rolled buckle collars for everyday use, and tags should be attached to the buckle collar. Harnesses and head-collars approved!
18. On the Road: Never leave your dog in an unattended car, even if it’s locked – Besides the obvious health risks this poses to the dog, it’s also an invitation for thieves, even if you are gone for only a moment. Leaving expensive items in the car such as a GPS unit or laptop will only encourage break-ins and possibly allow the dog to escape, even if the thieves don’t decide to steal it too.
19. During hurricane Katrina, a lot of dogs were stolen from shelters. In terms of disaster preparedness we recommend owners keep pictures of them with their pets (entire family) in multiple angles. This makes it easier to prove that dog is yours when you seek to reclaim a pet and if left at shelter it will be part of the shelter paperwork to prevent the release to unauthorized party.
20. We also recommend having pre-printed lost pet poster copies in your car and in your emergency Go-Bag as access to photocopy machines and paper may be hindered during an emergency.
22. Make sure to include your pets in your emergency preparedness plan. DO NOT LEAVE PETS BEHIND when you evacuate. Its asking for loss and/or theft.
23. DON’T BUY STOLEN PETS.
Don’t buy dogs from the internet, flea markets, or roadside vans. There is simply no way to verify where an animal purchased from any of these outlets came from.
a. Do not buy pets from pet stores. There is so much doubt, false promises and controversy surrounding the true origin of these dogs that many states are now considering banning pet sales in stores while other states are looking at regulating dealers and shops. Your main risk in getting those pets is furthering money making puppy mills! That further's animal cruelty. Look at it as for every puppy sold at a pet store, it sends the message to the puppy mill owner that the mother of that puppy must remain caged and bred some more to make more money in the most horrific conditions. That's plain animal cruelty.
b. Web sites and online classifieds are easily falsified. Consider that anyone can scam and lie online.
b. Roadside and/or flea market purchases are to be handled with extreme care and with suspicion since it is difficult to determine the pet’s true origins and true intent of seller. Cash sales from non-official sources can be hard to track in the age of throw away cell phones and identity theft impairing any legal or financial recourse.
c. The threat is not limited to the online world, keep a suspicious eye on newspaper ads. The newspaper cannot verify the accuracy of statements made in the ad!
Any animal offered for sale at reduced prices, for a “relocation” fee, or accompanied by requests for last minute shipping fees are red flags. Dog owners who truly love their animals and are unable to keep them will opt to find a loving home without compensation for re-homing the animal. Seek out reputable breeders or rescue groups. Visit the home of the breeder, meet the puppy’s mother, and see the litter of puppies. Developing a good relationship with the breeder will bring you peace of mind when purchasing. Contacting breed rescue groups can also be a safe alternative if you are looking for an adult dog. But either way ALWAYS Demand proper papers on your purebred puppy. Ask for the AKC Litter Registration Number and contact AKC customer service at 919-233-9767 to verify registration authenticity of your purebred puppy.
And last but not least there is NOTHING wrong with adopting a shelter animal! There are thousands of animal rescue groups in this country filled with animals that need a second chance at a good life with you!
There are rescue groups for every single dog breed known to man if breed is that important to you. Take a look at www.petfinder.com to find your new furry friend.
So bottom line be careful. Always ask questions. Trust but verify. Love your companion and keep it Wag'N!

Excerpt from a Dog's Plea :
" I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands."

Author Unknown

For tips on what to if you pet gets lost or stolen please click here

What should I do if my pet is stolen?

2011-10-10T20:30:00.002-04:00

To find tips on how to avoid your pet from being stolen please click here.

If your pet is stolen, consider the following options. Your love and dedication are the limit!

Walk, drive or bicycle around the area your pet disappeared, calling your animal's name over and over. If your pet is trapped in a neighbor's yard or is too injured to move, it may respond to your voice, so listen carefully. Pay special attention to sheds, abandoned buildings and anywhere else your pet could be hiding. Perform this search several times throughout the day.

Talk to your neighbors and engage them in the search. Involving the neighbors by knocking on their doors is more pro-active then just posting paper in the street. You can ask questions, hand them your number, engage them to keep an eye out. This helps gage their reaction and engage them in the search.

Create and post signs with a photo of your pet that gives a description of the animal, the area in which he or she was lost and contact information. Be sure to place the fliers in your neighborhood as well as in places where many people are likely to see them such as grocery stores, pet supply stores, veterinarians’ offices, animal shelters and pounds. If possible, consider offering a reward to give people an incentive to return your pet. Don't put too much private or detailed information on the flier as you want to be able to ask pertinent questions to those that call in and filter out "coocoo" people.

Go to the animal shelter and pound often to look at the animals being held as strays. Check to see if the animal shelter or pound has a website with photos. Visits in person are much more effective as shelter/pound employees may not match a particular animal to a lost report over the phone. You are the only one who can really identify your lost animal. Visit the shelter for a minimum of ten days.

Contact veterinary clinics, including emergency veterinary hospitals. Your pet may have been injured and taken to a veterinarian or veterinary hospital for treatment.

Contact local daily and weekly newspapers to place a lost pet ad. Also, check the “found animal” section of local newspapers. Contact the media – Call the local TV station, radio station and newspaper and ask to have a web post put out about your missing pet. If you don't ask, it won't happen. Don't be shy!

Contact local radio and television stations. Many air "lost and found pets" segments.

Ask delivery people who regularly travel through your neighborhood if they have seen your pet. Your mail carrier, water delivery person, gas company employee, security guard or meter reader may have seen your pet. Ask them to be on the lookout for your animal as they pass through the area.

Contact laboratory animal departments of universities and hospitals in your area. Go to the labs and describe your animal to laboratory personnel. Post a photo of your animal in the laboratory.

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. If you suspect that your animal has been stolen, report it to the police immediately. A police report will be useful for identification purposes when retrieving your pet and will prove helpful in court if a suspect is brought to trial. If the authorities are hesitant to prepare the report, remind them that pets by law are valuable “property” and their theft is either a felony or misdemeanor under all state laws. By law, the police must take action on your complaint. Be persistent.

Post a description and photo of your lost pet on the internet at www.petfinder.com. And www.helplostpet.com

You may also want to consider posting on your facebook page and/or create a dedicated page for the pet on Facebook.

Do not give up! Your pet is depending on you to do your best to try to find him or her. There are many instances of cats and dogs being found after many months. The person who responds immediately to a missing pet and expends significant energy in trying to find the animal stands a much greater chance of recovering him or her.

PET EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

2011-10-04T13:17:00.002-04:00

All of the following resources are provided by Wag'N Enterprises. We work diligently to ensure all links remain up-to-date, however we cannot control how and when some of the sites we point to make changes to contents or site URLs. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you find broken links.

Emergency Management is the discipline of dealing with and avoiding risk. The concept and terminology "pet emergency management" was developed by renowned pet safety expert Ines De Pablo in the spring of 2007. "Defining pet emergency management" is a registered trademark of Wag'N Enterprises. With her background in the field of emergency management, Ms. De Pablo determined it was time to apply her expertise to the pet world/industry.
Pet emergency management is the application of emergency management practices in regards to pet safety. It involves mitigation measures (i.e. accident avoidance for pet owners, continuity of operations for pet businesses); preparedness (i.e. pet parents learning pet first aid skills, training of first responders in animal handling, pet businesses developing evacuation, emergency drills and continuity of operation plans, etc); response (i.e. the application of pet first aid skills, use of pet first aid equipment, organized evacuation of residences and animal shelters, etc) as well as recovery efforts.
The destructive force of Hurricane Katrina exposed many flaws in our nation’s emergency preparedness programs. One easily correctable issue that has come to light is that many of our city and state authorities’ disaster plans did not take into account how to rescue the portion of the population who are pet owners. Thousands of pets died, many as a result of poor planning, flawed local, state and federal policies. As a result, an amendment to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196b) was issued. Section 613 of the Act was amended in October of 2006. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006’’.

COURSES TO TAKE - PRIORITY FOR ALL PET PARENTS
AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

- Red Cross First Aid & CPR. Click here to learn more.
- American Heart Association HeartSaver® First Aid . Click here to learn more
- Pet Tech Pet First Aid. Click here to find an instructor near you.
- Red Cross Pet First Aid. Click here to learn more.

COURSES TO TAKE - SUPPLEMENTAL FOR PET PARENTS

- American Humane - Basic Animal Emergency Services Training - If you want to become an official American Humane Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ Volunteer and help animals in the aftermath of national disasters, you must attend this two-day training. Click here for more information.

- American Humane - Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals - This two-day course focuses on how to plan for and implement emergency sheltering for companion animals during or after a disaster and should be considered “must-have” training for every community. Click here for more information.

- Wag'N Enterprises - Introduction to Pet Emergency Management™ - This workshop is designed to introduce pet parents and pet industry members in the basic concepts of emergency management and their everyday application for mitigating, preparing and responding to pet emergencies. Click here to schedule your private session with Ines.

COURSES TO TAKE - SUPPLEMENTAL FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
- American Humane - Animal Rescue Training for First Responders - This course is designed to cross-train urban search and rescue teams, animal search and rescue and other first responders how to handle a situation or disaster together. Click here for more information.

- Humane Society of the United States - Disaster Animal Response Team - This 3-day course is designed to familiarize participants with disaster situations and provide the background necessary to become an effective emergency animal relief responder. Click here for more information.

- Rescue 3/Rescue Tech International - Technical Animal Rescue - Responding to an animal in peril is not only the humane thing to do, but it may also stop untrained persons (bystanders, owners, etc.) from endangering themselves to save an animal. This can often lead to death or injury, to both the animal and it’s untrained rescuer(s). Click here for more information.

- TLAER - Technical Large Animal Rescue - TLAER training participants will be taught how to safely prepare for and approach large animal incidents. Examples of incidents include overturned and wrecked trailers or livestock haulers, large animals loose on the road, large animals stuck in a swimming pool or mud, large animals tangled in farm equipment, and barn fires. This program also covers incidents where people may be trapped with the animal. Click here to learn more.

COURSES TO TAKE - SUPPLEMENTAL FOR PET INDUSTRY

- American Humane - Animal Shelter Disaster Preparedness - In this course, you will gain the skills to create and implement an effective disaster plan that fits into the larger disaster plan of your community, county and state. Click here for more information.

- American Humane - Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals - This two-day course focuses on how to plan for and implement emergency sheltering for companion animals during or after a disaster and should be considered “must-have” training for every community. Click here for more information.

- Humane Society of the United States - Emergency Animal Sheltering (EAS) is intended to prepare volunteers to serve at emergency shelters for pets and animals evacuated or displaced in the event of a disaster. Information covered in this course is vital for dealing with any large-scale animal sheltering operation. Click here for more information.

- TLAER - Technical Large Animal Rescue - TLAER training participants will be taught how to safely prepare for and approach large animal incidents. Examples of incidents include overturned and wrecked trailers or livestock haulers, large animals loose on the road, large animals stuck in a swimming pool or mud, large animals tangled in farm equipment, and barn fires. This program also covers incidents where people may be trapped with the animal. Click here to learn more.

FREE FEMA ONLINE COURSES & RESOURCES

- FEMA - Independent Study Course 10a.- Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness. This course is intended to help animal owners, animal care providers, and industries to understand incident management. Click here to start
- FEMA - Independent Study Course 11a.- Animals in Disasters: Community Planning. Click here to start
- For a full list of online FEMA Independent Program Courses click here
- FEMA - Eligible Costs Related to Pet Evacuations and Sheltering. Click here to view

READY.GOV

Community Pet Preparedness Toolkit can be found on the Ready.gov website

HOW THE P.E.T.S. ACT OF 2006 AFFECT PET PARENTS

What it is: The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.

What it does: The PETS Act authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.) to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for individuals with household pets and service animals, and to the household pets and animals themselves following a major disaster or emergency.

What is the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform (PKEMRA) Act?
To implement the PETS Act effectively, two other documents support FEMA's activities to ensure optimal preparedness and response associated with companion animals, namely the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA) and the National Response Framework (NRF).

Difference between the PKEMRA and NRF: The PKEMRA codifies and expands FEMA's regional office structure and strengthens its all-hazards operational framework and coordination capabilities. It expanded the federal role in emergency response by designating FEMA as the sole primary agency, and it added additional authorities and responsibilities for FEMA to, among other actions, ensure pet rescue and shelter. In an emergency wherein the federal government will assist a state, FEMA will procure support from federal partner agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as the American Red Cross partners.

The NRF is a document that establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to emergency response. It identifies the key response principles, roles and structures that organize national response. It describes how communities, States, the Federal Government and private-sector and nongovernmental partners apply key response principles for a coordinated and effective nationwide response.

While the PETS Act was a catalyst for implementation of preparedness plans at the state and local levels of government, it takes all three documents (PETS Act, PKEMRA, and the NRF) for a truly effective and comprehensive response.

Who uses the PETS Act as a tool? The key stakeholders in implementing the PETS Act are states and local municipalities, as well as non-profit organizations and private companies. Since the PETS Act works through reimbursing States and counties for work done in association with disaster mitigation, regulations associated with the PETS Act are pertinent to those State and local governments. In addition, since non-profit organizations and private companies (NGOs) work closely with States and municipalities to provide many necessary services, these groups must be cognizant of the details about the types of services that they could offer in order to be reimbursed by the State or local government. The reimbursement process can be streamlined by having pre-event agreements in place between these entities.

When is the PETS Act in operation? The PETS Act is operational when a federal disaster declaration has been made. The declaration serves as a "trigger" that provides for reimbursement for allowable, documented, services utilized in this emergency event.

- Wag'N Enterprises Publications - The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006: What is it? How does it impact pet owners? Click here to read article
- Public Law 109–308 109th Congress [H.R. 3858]: Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006. Find Act here

CERT ANIMAL RESPONSE MODULES

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) National Program Office announced the release of two new supplemental training modules, CERT Animal Response I and CERT Animal Response II. The new Animal Response modules are the first in a series of supplemental training modules building on the disaster response training that program participants receive in the CERT Basic Training course. The supplemental modules are designed to expand the skills of CERT members and teams, and to increase CERT’s ability to support emergency response professionals. The Animal Response modules, as well as other CERT supplemental training to be released in the future, are intended for those who have completed the basic training.

CERT ANIMAL RESPONSE I

- CERT Animal Response Module I Instructor Guide is available in 2 formats Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
- CERT Animal Response Module I Participant Manual is available in 2 formats Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
- CERT Animal Response Module I PowerPoint Presentation is available in 2 formats Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

CERT ANIMAL RESPONSE II

- CERT Animal Response Module II Instructor Guide is available in 2 formats Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
- CERT Animal Response Module II Participant Manual is available in 2 formats Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
- CERT Animal Response Module II PowerPoint Presentation is available in 2 formats Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I get my evacuation kits ready?
NOW. Why wait until the emergency happens? Now you can think clearly, have the time, there is no impending doom to cloud your judgment, and you can unlimited access to all sorts of resources to get the kit ready and time is on your side. You set your own criticality parameters. Action tromps reaction, every time!

In the event of an emergency evacuation due to flood, fire, hurricane, what are some plans any dog owner should have in place and prepared to go for their pet?
All pet owners, should have a fire, carbon monoxide, flood, hurricane evacuation plan as well as a shelter in place-plan for incidents such as man made disasters and tornadoes. That seems like a lot? Your solution is an All-Hazards Emergency Plan. For your Dogs and Cats checklist click here, for your small and exotic animals checklist click here. For equine evacuation tips click here, here, here, here, and here.

What should I do if the emergency happens while the pets are alone at home and I can't get back on time? What if we are separated?
There is plenty you can do now. Share your evacuation plans with some of your trusted neighbors and family and friends. Make sure they are familiar with your pets, talk to them now about what you would need them to do, where your pet emergency evacuation kit is, where to meet up, how to best communicate and have a common go to location. All these tips really work best if you are really good friends with some of your neighbors, otherwise assign the task to a trusted family member that leaves close to you and that you trust of course.
Have a Grab-and-go party at your house. Invite the friends and neighbors you trust. Its really like a Tupperware party but with a twist. Discuss the feasible, rule out the wishful thinking. Assign each person a task, discuss meeting points, individual roles and expectations; how to communicate prior, during and after the incident; emergency routes, etc.

Other than the very detailed All-Hazards Preparedness Checklist, is there anything else I should know about how to prepare the best Wag-N-Go Bag?
Other Your Pet Wag-N-Go Bag can be a used duffel bag or other large bag.
Keep it somewhere where key access is not mandatory (so your neighbors can just grab it from the garage if needed). Label the bag either with permanent marker or by sowing a piece of cloth with key info (i.e. pet name, what's included, what's missing, number of days for intended use, date it was last replenished).

The pet Wag-N-Go bag should NOT contain your most valuable personal data. It remains the pet's bag. Copies of vaccination records should be kept in the glove box of your car and one copy at the office (especially if you use public transportation to got to work).

The food included in the Wag-N-Go bag should be labeled and display information like quantity per pet per day, expiration date, and what it can be substituted with in case your friends or neighbors need to evacuate with your pets. That information is crucial whether they end up taking care of the pet or if they end up in a co-location shelter situation.

All contents and especially medications should be dated (when prescribed and when they expire), bagged (Ziploc configuration works best to protect somewhat against water damage) and tagged (to show name, dosage and use). Make copies of prescriptions so they can be replenished by your friends or yourself at alternate location. If your pet has allergies (to food or medications) make sure to indicate them on the food bag and the medication bag.
Keep a calendar for yourself in a well traveled area of your residence and one in the bag (copy works best) showing which ingredients where added and/or update and when they expire - fastest and cheapest way to accomplish that is printing out an Outlook Calendar Monthly or Yearly Print Out and then make copies.
All other important information pertaining to what should be included in your Wag-N-Go bag is listed here.

What components of the evacuation kit are really critical?
It depends. For a Fido with a pulse, air, food, water and shelter. For a Fido with a medical condition, add whatever will keep his/hers pulse going. These ensure life. The rest is comfort really. To be admitted to a shelter that accepts pets, add proof of vaccination and ownership as well a crate per pet. To avoid really bad behavior, add toys or something to keep it busy. To ensure fairly good relations with the neighbors and authorities add a leash, collar, poop bags and trash bags. Microchips help you reclaim your pet if separated, proof-of-ownership reduces paperwork and emotional stress, first aid kits keep little 'oopsy-boo' moments from turning into emergencies. The rest will really just make your survival more bearable.

Are there any shelters around these days that allow humans to bring their dogs if they must evacuate? If so, where and websites?
YES and NO. Your local office of emergency management can better answer this question. Bear in mind that even if there is such a shelter, the conditions of the emergency may render this particular shelter unusable. For example, you find a fantastic facility. The winds are however pushing the wildfire flames straight in that direction. That shelter is now unusable for any living being. The same can be applied to any natural force such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. So do not rely on any one location. Plan A generally fails and you may have to resort to Plan D or E. So what should my backup plan be? While you are preparing your evacuation plan, map out your routeS (yes more than one!) and along the way locate pet friendly hotels/motels, boarding facilities and veterinary clinics who could shelter animals in an emergency. That map, should be the paper version (the type that requires no electricity to access). Make notes with a pencil. Staple information or make multiple copies (hotels, emergency rooms, camping sites, veterinarians, etc) for multiple purposes. Store in Ziploc bag to protect against water damage. Make sure a copy stays with the pet's emergency kit so that your neighbors/friends have a copy if they can take your pets with them.
The best option is to find a friend or family member living outside the area (past 100 miles) that is willing (prearranged) to take you and your pets. Its even better to make at least two of these types of arrangements because if your first friend is in the path of the same storm they might have to evacuate themselves and will not be able to accommodate you. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DISASTER IS ANNOUNCED TO START THIS RESEARCH!

"Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of states' health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead."
These words were taken from the American Red Cross website in December 2010 (click here for source). The organization continues to adhere to this policy. It has however, since Hurricane Katrina and because of the PETS ACT of 2006 been partnering with animal relief groups who can man and provide alternate facilities for pets. There are two types of shelters: Temporary and Co-location.
In the Temporary shelter, the animals are cared for by members of an animal rescue organization (HSUS, American Humane Red Star Teams, etc) until the animals can be reunited with their owners. This type of shelter may or may not be close to human only emergency shelters. Co-location shelters are located in the immediate vicinity of the human shelter. This allows pet owners to reside in Red Cross type shelters and yet take care of their pets' daily care. Regardless of the type of shelter you may end up staying at, preparedness requirements are the same. You WILL NEED your pets veterinary records, a crate, food and proof of ownership. Having pictures of YOU AND YOUR PETS can serve as proof in many cases. Keep multiple copies.
So, don't wait until disaster strikes to get your plan and backup plans. Its always a good idea to sign up for these local government phone alerts (emails or SMS) to stay up-to-date with local emergencies. Once an emergency is announced, keep an eye out on the local news, and local emergency management agency sites. Call them if you have any questions. To find your local emergency management agency click here . It does not hurt to keep that number in your cell phone and a paper copy in the glove box of your car, at your office as well as in your and your pet's evacuation kit.
Currently, not all communities offer pet friendly emergency/evacuation shelters. TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A PET FRIENDLY SHELTER IN YOUR AREA, CALL YOUR COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER.

How long does it take to make an evacuation kit for the family?
A: As long as you need it to. We recommend trying out 3 scenarios.
Scenario #1: Give yourself 4 hours to get ready. Something tells me your car's tires will need to be checked for air when you are done with that one. Is all that stuff really necessary?
Scenario #2: Give yourself 1 hour to get ready. Now we are talking. That will seriously reduce the load. 1 bag per humanoid please.
Scenario #3: Pretend you just pulled the fire alarm, grab and go. You have no more than 1 minute to take the essentials. Much lighter backpack!
One backpack per person generally covers the essential. If you can't carry it, you probably don't really need. You can have 2 bags if you want one at the office and one at home. Additional bags can have tents and camping equipment, but still try to keep it at 1 bag. The more you train the easier and faster this becomes. Most important human documents include your passport, green card, driver's license, social security card, birth certificate, proof of medical insurance, prescriptions. Secondary is homeowner's insurance, life insurance, residence title, credit card, bank account #. For pets its vaccination records, microchip and proof of ownership as primary and medical records as secondary.

What's the most important thing about an evacuation plan and/or a shelter in place plan?
Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearse. A non-rehearsed plan is a terrible plan!
Run an actual drill. If you just put your plan on paper, reality bites. See how much time it actually takes to find stuff you deem essential. Weigh the little suitcases and backpacks. Can you walk a mile? Open the bag and really look to see if you even feel the crackers hit your tummy. Drive the roads out of town during rush hour. Then find alternates. Evacuations are 'rush hour' traffic.
Pertaining to Shelter-in-place scenarios: Lock yourself up, with your kids, grandma and the dogs in 1 room. Room needs to have no windows, shelter from flood and high wind. Imagine you will stay there for 3 days. Take care of toilet needs (what if you lose the running water?), food, water and entertainment (assume no power). Do you have such a room? Imagine government gives you 3 hours, 1 hour, 10 minutes to get to it.
Hint: the best replacement for running water is cat litter.

How can alleviate stress during an emergency?
Have a plan. Know what to expect, where to go, who to talk to, and what to do in various emergency scenarios. Start with a kitchen fire and work your way up. If you have no plan, no direction, no tools and no skill when something bad happens you will increase your stress. No question about it.
- Have a plan. Know it will fail. Prepare backup plans (before the emergency when all is calm)
- Think calming thoughts.
- Keep an open mind to change - the only constant in life is change.
- Move forward - Don't dwell on what does not work. Think of what works or how you can make it work.
- Find a creative out. When you make you initial plan, include something fun like a book, boardgames, tennis ball (again something small and light that does not rely on power) so that you can have a mental escape.
- Stay away from Drama. Once the main reliable communication venues go down, beware of rumors and those spreading them. Take rumors with a grain of salt.
- Don't focus on the problem(-). Every problem has a solution. Focus on finding solutions (+)
- If you make a mistake, and you will, don't dwell on it. Accept it and move on. Don't get stuck thinking about it. Make it right.
- Set your priority goals ahead of time and adjust. Nothing is set in stone.
- Feeling Secure depends on many variables. However we can generalize by defining 'secure' as free from danger or risk. During and immediately following a large scale disaster there will be danger and risk, at different levels: Immediate and life threatening; pending and very likely; potential. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Once you have a plan you will feel more secure. Whether or not you are more secure depends on your plan and how and when you implement it. Feeling secure is a state of mind. Figure now what your personal definition is. What would it take to make you feel secure? If you answer this now, you will have your goals established when a crisis happens.
Pets can get stressed out. A sudden change in routine, diet, smells, noises, sudden extreme mood swings (yours) and inconsistent discipline will stress you pets. You don't have to let that happen. Minimize routine changes. Walk your pet, play with your pet, comfort your pet, let your pet rest. These are the basics. The timing might change but that is not life altering. Your pet's evacuation kit should always include toys, a piece of clothing that smells like you, its regular food and treats. That brings back some routine. A game of fetch or a long walk provides a mental break for both you and your pet.

RELEVANT READING

* Pet Emergency Pocket Guide - Find it here
* Red Cross Pet First Aid for Cats & Dogs - Find it here
* Veterinary Disaster Medicine: Working Animals - Learn more here
* Veterinary Disaster Response - Learn more here
* Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue - Learn more here
* NIMS Incident Command System Field Guide - Learn more here
* The Safe Dog Handbook - Learn more here
* Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform ACT - See here
* Home Emergency Pocket Guide - Learn more here

RELEVANT WEBSITES

Committee on Animal Emergency Management - Click here
FEMA - Information for Pet Owners - Click here
Ready.Gov - Community Pet Preparedness Toolkit - Click here
Technical Large Animal Rescue - Click here

Travel - Finding Pet Friendly Accommodations in the USA
* Traveling with Your Pet, 12th Edition: The AAA Petbook (Learn more here)
* Dog Lover's Companion Series (select by region here)
* Fido Friendly Magazine (Find it here)
pet_emergency_management_resources.html

Pet First Aid Awareness Month 2011

2011-03-23T13:34:00.000-04:00

PRESS RELEASE

April Is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month 2011

Pet safety expert offers life saving tips for furry first aid

Herndon, VA (March 15, 2011) — In honor of National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, the leader in pet safety gear and services, Wag’N Enterprises reminds pet parents that as the seasons change, so do dangers for the family pet. Before looking forward to warm summer weather, springtime often brings out the worst in Mother Nature with tornados, flooding and more. Spring is also a time for new blooms and buzzing bees. Did you know that Easter Lilies are toxic for cats? Pet parents need to be mindful of certain hazards that may have a devastating effect on their pet’s health. Wag’N Enterprises encourages pet parents to create a safety plan just in time for Pet First Aid Awareness Month this April.

“Pet First Aid is the immediate care given to a pet that has been injured or suddenly take ill. This includes home care and when necessary veterinary help. Knowing the skills and techniques of pet first aid can mean the difference between life and death; temporary and permanent disability; and expensive veterinarian bills and reasonable home care. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) one-out-of-four more pets could be saved if just one basic pet first aid skill or technique was applied prior to receiving veterinary care.” Pet Tech, Inc

“We want to encourage pet parents to plan ahead for possible pet emergencies by taking small steps that could result in quicker response times during a potential dangerous situation. For example, keeping a pet first aid kit on hand and making sure pet parents understand how to care an injured pet until the pet is transported to a local emergency veterinarian are both important” said Ines de Pablo, who holds a Masters Degree in Risk, Crisis and Emergency Management, Pet Tech® Certified Master Pet First Aid Instructor and is the Chief Wag’N Officer of Wag’N Enterprises.

“Because there are only little variances between human and animal mechanisms of injury, pet parents can provide basic first aid for injuries and ailments like bruise and fractures or heat stroke and respiratory distress. Just like us, most incidents can be addressed using a first aid skill” according to de Pablo. She says initial response and care is vital. “You are your pet’s paramedic during a health related emergency until your pet is transported to the veterinarian. Panic and doubt are not going to help your pet and can place you in danger” notes de Pablo.

Wag'N highly recommends pet parents keep important life saving phone numbers both in their cell phone registry and displayed on paper copy in a prominent well travelled area of the residence and vehicle. Important numbers include their primary veterinarian as well as their emergency veterinarian's phone number, the ASPCA Poison Control Center Number (888) 426-4435 and the Regular Poison Control Number (800) 222-1222.
From toxic plants to natural weather occurrences, the challenges in pet safety are most easily managed if pet parents take a lesson from Wag’N Enterprises and prepare for potential emergencies.

As a pet owner and/or pet care professional we owe it to the pets in our life to be trained in these life-saving skills. To gain the skills of pet CPR, first aid and care, it is recommended you successfully complete a Pet First Aid class taught by a properly trained instructor. The skills and techniques of a pet first aid and care training should include but not be limited to: restraint and muzzling, CPR, rescue breathing, choking management, heat injuries (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree burns and heat stroke), cold injuries (frost bite and hypothermia), shock management, bleeding injuries and more.

About Wag’N Enterprises:
Founded in 2007, Wag’N offers pet parents and first responders the necessary gear, supplies and training to effectively mitigate, prepare and respond to emergencies that impact pet health and safety. Wag’N Enterprises is a branded and extensive collection of purposefully designed and all-encompassing crafted tools and services giving pet people peace of mind in case of an emergency. Visit Wag’N Enterprises online at www.wagn4u.com
Media Contact: Adie Lee at Phone#: 321.806.5209 or by Email at Adie@fetchingcommunications.com

National Poison Prevention Week 2011

2011-03-20T13:35:00.003-04:00

MARCH 20-26, 2011 is NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK

3 NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($65 Consultation Fee)

Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($35 Consultation Fee)

Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 (FREE)

All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.

Listen Now to the Radio Interview with Ines De Pablo on WPFW 89.3FM

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.

In 2010, the ASPCA Poison Control Center handled more than 167,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products.

Below are the 10 most common pet toxins of 2010 as outlined by the ASPCA and PetPoisonHelpLine.com

1. Human Medications are once again at the top of the list of pet toxins for 2010. Almost 25 percent of ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (AAPC) calls concerned human medications accidentally ingested by pets. The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medications. Other common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include: Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills. PetPoisonHelpLine.com warns against Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil®, Aleve® and Motrin®; acetaminophen as found in Tylenol® and antidepressants like Effexor®, Cymbalta® and Prozac® that can cause serious harm to your pets when ingested. NSAIDs can cause serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure. Acetaminophen can damage red blood cells in cats, limiting their ability to carry oxygen, and in dogs, it can lead to severe liver failure. Ingestion of antidepressants, which, of all human medications account for the highest number of calls to Pet Poison Helpline, can lead to neurological problems like sedation, in coordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.
For the Top 10 Drugs that can poison your pet click here.

2. Insecticides. About 20% of the calls to the APCC were about insecticides. Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

3. Rodenticides are baits used to kill mice and rats, mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Rodent baits typically can result in blood clotting disorders, brain swelling or kidney failure, while snail and slug baits can result in severe tremors or seizures. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

4. People Food. Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Many sugarless gums, including some Trident™, Orbit™, and Ice Breaker™ brands, contain xylitol. Candies, flavored multi-vitamins, desserts and baked goods may also be made with xylitol. Even small amounts when ingested can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, or with large amounts of ingestion, liver failure. Signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors and seizures.
To read more about the risks of xylitol click here.

5. Veterinary Medications although made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.

6. Chocolate contains methylxanthines(a relative of caffeine), which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate,hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle tremors, seizures and death. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to our pets.

7. Household Toxins such as cleaning supplies (bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents), can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors. Rule of thumb: If it has a warning label on it keep out of the reach of children and pets. Other toxic household items include; Fabric softener sheets, mothballs, post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

8. Plants. Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Certain types of lilies including tiger, day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese lilies, are highly toxic to cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Severe kidney failure can result from ingestion of even a few petals, leaves, or even the pollen. In addition, ingestion of certain spring bulbs (e.g. daffodils, tulips) can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. More serious reactions include abnormal heart rate or changes in breathing. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.
For a full list of plants poisonous to dogs and cats click here.

9. Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

10. Outdoor toxins such as antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them. Fertilizers are basic gastrointestinal irritants. However, some are often combined with dangerous chemicals and compounds called organophosphates or carbamates, which can be harmful or deadly to pets. Ingestion can result in drooling, watery eyes, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever and even death.

What information will I need when I call poison control?
Whether you call your regular, emergency veterinarian or any any of the suggested poison control centers always have the following information available:
- the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
- the animal’s signs (Animals can't tell us symptoms. Tell them what you notice)
- information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known),
- the amount of the agent involved
- the time elapsed since the time of exposure.
Have the product container/packaging available for reference.
Collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.
Use extreme caution when handling some of the chemicals. Wear non-latex gloves if at all possible.

I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the poison control centers or rush it to my local emergency veterinarian?
If you suspect that your pet may have become exposed to a harmful substance, but is not showing signs of illness, stay calm! Contact your local veterinarian or any of the above mentioned Poison Control Centers first. Not all exposure situations require an immediate trip to the clinic. Remain calm. Pets can sense your agitation and may become excited, which will raise their blood pressure and may contribute to spreading the poison through the bloodstream faster.

What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?
Remain calm and composed. If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the Poison Control Center. Bring the suspected substance with you.

Additional Resources:
PetEducation.com - First Aid for ingestion of toxic products by pets. Click here (GREAT RESOURCE)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Household Hazards (PDF File here)

ALWAYS KEEP THE NUMBERS BELOW IN

- Your cell phone directory

- Home and Office phonebook

- In black & white hard copy in your car, kitchen and in the garage.

Why in black and white? Electronics fail, batteries die, phones don't like liquids, people forget to plug the phone, etc. If you have a hardcopy you can use any phone at any time and still make the call.

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($65 Consultation Fee)

Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($35 Consultation Fee)

Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 (FREE)

All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.

YOUR VETERINARIAN'S NUMBER HERE

EMERGENCY VETERINARY HOSPITAL NUMBER HERE

REMEMBER

No matter what article you find on the internet and no matter who wrote it that provides advise on what to do in case of poisoning - human or animal

POISON CONTROL KNOWS BEST!
ITS THEIR JOB TO KNOW.

Peroxide CANNOT be used for ALL cases of poisoning in cats and dogs.
Some chemicals and toxins may counteract negatively with the ingested substance.
In other cases some poisons should not be coming back up by forcing the animal to vomit.
Poisons can be ingested, inhaled and injected.
If you have a doubt, there is no doubt. Call Poison Control!
Even the human line can help in most pet cases.

WagN Pet First Aid Bandana Featured on Fido Friendly Blog

2011-03-09T13:46:00.000-05:00

A frequent blogger for Fido Friendly Magazine, Ms Carol Bryant recently posted a Vlog 'What should I pack in my dog’s first aid kit?' on the Fido Friendly Blog.
Part of the contents described were taken from the Wag'N Skinny Mayday Pet First Aid Kit (you can see the shell of the skinny kit on the right of the screen). Ms. Bryant also shortly reviews the Wag'N Pet First Aid Bandana (red version). This blog follows up on another Pet First Aid Bandana video post on Fido Friendly's Blog dating back to August 2010 and associated with the Fido Friendly Online Contest. Click here to view it. (winners have been selected. contest is now over)

A link to this latest blog post is listed in Issue 48 Mar/Apr 2011 of Fido Friendly Magazine on page 42. The Title of the article is entitled 'Call to Action - When Disaster Strikes, Fido Friendly has your three-course canine call to action'. The article discusses Pre-planning, when disaster strikes and post disaster tips for pet owners. The article list a few resources one of which is Wag'Ns but ended up listed under the category name instead of the company name, namely Pet Emergency Management Resources

Both Video extracts here below.

March/April 2011 Pet First Aid Kit and Bandana Review

August 2010 Pet First Aid Bandana Review

Tooth Fracture

2011-02-20T18:34:00.008-05:00

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. I was going to write a piece on the importance of keeping your pet's health clean, brushed and supervised to ensure your pet never gets through the pains of periodontal disease. Well I guess Gypsy beat me to it...with a slight 'edge'.

It's Sunday around 12:30AM (2/20/11)....that is 3 days after Gypsy's humanoid (aka. me) got her 4 wisdom teeth extracted. Finally off my pain meds I make my way to sleepy land...Gypsy is lying on my side of the bed, on my pillow no less. That's weird. Weird/abnormal in Gypsy world requires further investigating. So I start the Snout-To-Tail Assessment. Nose ok. Eyes ok. Mouth...ooops. Left side is ever so slightly swollen. Peekaboo. Gums ok. 4th Pre-Molar (aka Carnassial tooth) not so dandy (see picture below). Fractured vertically. Upon touch we get the wiggles.
First question: How and when did that happen Gypsy? Answer: Kisses.
Second question: Does it hurt? Answer: Head tilt.
Ok, so not getting much out of that interrogation. She could have been in pain all day or half the day, hard to tell since she inhales her food any puppy way. That's the glitch with pets. She might have been trying to tell me but my limited Doggish kept me from hearing it.

Two assumptions wag at me: 1) it hurts and 2) it will have to be extracted. Armed with my fully loaded Rover Respond'R kit in the glove box we head on out to the Hope Center in Vienna. My Rover Respond'R kit includes all their Pet Passports and with that a special page with previous notes from one of the attending regarding her allergy to one of the many anesthetics...kind of important when I expect them to have the tooth extracted. Long story short they take a look, inform me that the tooth cannot be extracted on site because its not immediately threatening her life but help me answer question number 2: Yes it probably hurts a lot.

The extent of a tooth fracture may only involve the outer enamel or it may involve deeper structures such as the dentine or pulp (nerve and blood supply) and in this case the wiggles is exposing the pulp. So now my boo is quietly in pain. Your lesson to be learned: If and when it happens to your pet, take at least a few minutes to call them - the emergency vet - and describe the problem. Not all fractures are the same and not all conditions are the same. A few factors will have to be determined but for the courtesy of recognizing that just because they don't whine as much as we do when we are in pain does not mean they are not! They could in most cases appreciate the pain meds and the antibiotics to keep an infection from biting your quiet hero. You can get a head start on the bloodwork (generally needed prior to submitting your pet over 6 years of age to anesthesia) and getting a dental veterinary referral.

She ends up on antibiotics and pain medication. I also get two referrals for veterinary dental specialists in the area. A dental radiographs ( X-rays) will have to be performed and is considered essential in most cases to make an accurate diagnosis. That is the basis for the prognosis and in deciding how to treat her. Contacted my primary veterinarian to expose the problem and ask for her opinion on the referrals I was given - Dr Knode from House Paws via email around 3AM (didn't want to wake up the world that early with a call) and have an answer by the time I wake up: Go see Dr Chamberlain from the Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery center in Leesburg, VA .

Did you know that there are veterinary specialist out there able to provide Endodontic, Periodontal, Orthodontic, and Restorative procedures for our furry companions? Did you know that cast metal crowns, composite fillings, aesthetic bonding and bridge crowns is not just only for humanoids? I am always up to learning new things...just not always thrilled about the conditions in which I have to learn about them. So this is your chance to look into it before you are facing the inevitable.

So back to question one: How did you do that Gypsy? Although she may never sell the bone on that, pets most often break/fracture their teeth following a trauma (hit by a car, ball, or rock) or due to chewing on hard objects like raw hides, bones, sticks, etc. The most common teeth that are broken are the canine (fang) teeth in the dog and the cat, and the upper fourth premolar (large tooth on the top in the back) in dogs. What did Gypsy have access to today? A pathetic looking stick during the neighborhood walk...and then whatever I didn't get an invite on earlier or later that day.

We are not so different: "After a tooth is fractured, bacteria from the mouth will gain access to the pulp (root canal) and infect the tooth. Eventually, the tooth will die and become a bacterial haven. The bacteria will then leak out through the apex (or bottom) of the tooth, and infect the bone in that area. Eventually, the bacterial byproducts and white blood cell enzymes will cause bone destruction around the root tip. Next, the blood vessels in the area will pick up the bacteria and spread it to other areas of the body. Most specifically, to the liver and kidneys which filter the blood, and possibly to the heart valves. They will form micro-abscesses on the organs, and over time will decrease the efficiency of these vital organs." Source here
Ouch!!

So brush your pet's teeth weekly, supervise bone, stick, raw hide and all sorts of chewing to prevent chocking and notice sooner rather than later should something go awry. Cannot emphasize the importance of a Snout-To-Tail Assessment! Sure keeps working on Gypsy! To learn more about the Snout-To-Tail Assessment and on how it recently made a difference for my Gypster, click here. The skills are taught in our Pet First Aid Classes. To register or learn more click here. To find a Pet Tech instructor in your area click here .

Will be posting Gypsy's follow up adventures here below.

2.21.2011 - Emergency Veterinary Dentist Morning Update
Gypsy went in to see Dr Chamberlain at 9AM at The Life Center in Leesburg this morning. He agreed to take her in for emergency surgery later on today. Not sure you can make it out easily on the picture posted here above but that 4th Premolar has 3 roots that go up pretty deep in the jaw. Cringe! Tooth will have to be completely extracted.

2.21.2011 - After Surgery Update
They called way early this afternoon around 1:30PM. Retook bloodwork because the Hope center test results were still missing. They gave her the pre-surgery meds to make her sleepy. What was nice was that she got to stay with me (or vice versa) after the shot and it took about 30 minutes to take effect. Once she went back they ran Xrays and did then proceeded with the surgery. She was out by 5PM but stayed in observation til 5:30 or so. Now home and whining. Still not eating. Mayday petrified of her. Mommy happy. In the process learned that there is 3rd root for that tooth - can't see it on picture as it runs up behind the teeth. Sigh.
Was told that tooth had been fractured for more than 2 days and more along the lines of 2 weeks. I'll accept the week and a half since I brushed both Gypsy & Mayday's teeth when we got back from our holiday weekend at Deep Creek Lake. Note to self: When you perform the weekly Snout-To-Tail assessment remember to check all teeth individually.

2.22.2011 - Morning Update
What a night! She refused to eat or drink until about 9PM. Her tummy was empty and making gurgly sounds.
After a phone conversation with the emergency vet she was allowed to receive some more anti pain meds...and then she accepted milk and yogurt and some wet food. No more gurgly sounds. Still some whining and pacing. She finally laid down but those eyes stayed open for a long time. She got some more milk and watered down 'yogurty meat' around 3AM. By 9AM she was still a bit swollen on the surgical site but altogether rolling in the snow and begging for breakfast.

2011 Pet First Aid Class Schedule

2010-12-13T14:42:00.004-05:00

The Wag'N Pet First Aid & Care Class

Schedule is now available for 2011.

YOU WILL LEARN:

*Restraining and Muzzling

*Scene Size Up

*Rescue Breathing

*Canine and Feline CPR

*Choking Management (3 Types)

*Snout-to-Tail Assessment for Injury

*Assessing the Pet's Vitals

* Fractures & Limb Injuries

*Environmental Hazards

*Shock & Bleeding Management

*Poisoning (Chemical, Insect Bites & Stings, Snake bites)

*Heat and Cold Injuries

*Seizures

*Recognizing Bloat..and much more

Each Student Gets:

* 5 hours of intensive skill acquisition

* 1 Wag'N Pet Passport®

* 1 Wag'N Pet First Aid Bandana™

* 5% Off Any Wag'N Pet First Aid Kit (Sold in class)

* Training on Live Dogs & Mannequins

* A Wag’N Experience!

YOU ARE YOUR PET'S 911!

11A	Saturday – March 26, 2011 - 12PM-5PM	OPEN
11B	Saturday – April 30, 2011 - 12PM-5PM	OPEN
11C	Saturday – May 21, 2011 - 12PM-5PM	OPEN
11D	Saturday – June 25, 2011 - 12PM-5PM	OPEN

Holiday Pet Safety - Christmas & New Year

2010-12-13T14:38:00.000-05:00

WINTER HOLIDAY PET HAZARDS

The Christmas Season is upon us! Take a deep breath and relax. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparing gifts, decorations, meals and sleeping arraignments (for those of us hosting family members and their 4-legged companions). Why not take a minute to ensure the safety of pets (visiting and live-in) this Christmas by reviewing some pet hazards?

TREES AND DECORATIONS

NATURAL DECORATIONS
Pine needles pose a great danger to pets. They may get lodged in an animal’s esophagus, making for painful and difficult swallowing. Mistletoe may get you kissed, but should your pet consume this holiday green it will likely cause a drop in blood pressure, vomiting and a swollen throat. Other holiday foliage, including Holly and Poinsettias, contain toxins that could lead to severe stomach problems, as well as skin, mouth and eye irritation. Worse yet, Yew is extremely toxic, and one mouthful could be deadly.

TREE HAZARDS
Some pets like to drink tree water, which under can be dangerous. The problem lies in fertilizers that may have been added to the water, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting, as well as certain types of pine sap that are poisonous. Furthermore, stagnant water at the base of the tree can have extremely high bacterial content, which can cause similar side effects as fertilizers and sap.
Old artificial trees may release toxic fumes if placed near heat (like a fireplace or space heater). Worse yet, some of the plastics used may dissolve into dust, making it difficult to spot. If you own an older tree replace it soon – It poses a danger to your entire family!
DO NOT put aspirin in the water! Why would I ever do that? Some people have been known to add aspirin in the tree water to increase longevity and vigor. Whether it works or not, is not certain. However if you have pets...DON'T DO IT! Aspirin can kill your dog!

ARTIFICIAL DECORATIONS, LIGHTS AND CANDLES
Shiny decorations and candles don’t mix well with curious pets. Make sure that you do not leave any tinsel, ribbon and ornament hooks where they may be accessible to your furry pals. Wag’N also recommends that you do not keep unattended flames at any time, especially in the vicinity of pets. Remember, just because your dog does not usually climb or jump onto furniture it does not mean that it never will. Electrical lights pose their own hazards, such as pets chewing on the colorful cords or tripping – make sure to tape all exposed cords to walls or floors to prevent accidents. Glass ornaments should be kept out of reach as they may be broken by pets. Glass shards are extremely dangerous if consumed by a hungry pup.

FIRE PLACE AND YULE LOGS
Yule logs are popular in the holiday season as they provide us with colorful flames. These logs contain heavy metal salts, which are toxic to pets if ingested. Naturally, any open flame also presents a danger to pets.For more tips on holiday fire safety tips see this blog post

FOOD HAZARDS

GENERAL TIPS
Should your pet eat something that it is outside of its usual diet it may cause intestinal inflammation, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Side effects depend on the type of pet you have, as well as their size, weight and eating habits.

FATTY ITEMS
There are, however, certain food items that may cause life threatening conditions on your pet such as:
- Alcoholic beverages, chocolate (of any kind), coffee and onions. Ham and other fatty items can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if eaten in even small amounts. Please keep all of these items out of reach at all times, and instruct your guest not to feed your pets any scraps or leftovers.
- Do not feed pets cooled drippings – The combination of human seasonings and rich stock can easily upset your pet’s digestive system.

WEATHER AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS

WEATHER HAZARDS

Bring in your pets when the temperature reaches 30 degrees with the wind chill. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside. Many people think that dogs with heavy coats can resist temperature changes much like wolves and other wild animals. Dogs evolved from wolves over 15000 years ago and the differences don’t end there… (read on)

ANTIFREEZE AND OTHER CHEMICALS
- Keep antifreeze out of reach of all your pets. Antifreeze may taste sweet to pets but it contains ethylene glycol which in a matter of minutes can cause permanent kidney damage if ingested even in small amounts.
- Deicers (also known as ice melts) are used to melt ice and snow on slippery sidewalks, roadways and driveways. Salt is used often as a deicer, as it is efficient and affordable. Unfortunately, salt is very irritating to foot pads of dogs and cats. Some pets may ingest the deicer as they lick their paws, or they may eat it directly off the ground. Side effects range from drooling and diarrhea to more serious complications such as excessive thirst, fainting, seizures, comma and even death.
- Use a salt-free deicer on your own driveway and walkways, such as Safe Paw.
- Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause serious ulceration to the mouth, tongue and intestines.

Keep in mind that seasonal hazards may be slightly different in your area and that the best gift your can offer your pets this holiday season is good health and some extra love and attention.

NEW YEARS PET HAZARDS

Fireworks displays and large crowds are almost never a good place to take your pet. Both dogs and cats will be much happier if left at home in familiar safe surroundings. Wag'N offers the offers the following guidelines for a safe and happy New Years Eve & Day.
• Never leave your pets alone outside. Even in a fenced yard, a scared pet can escape and get lost, become injured, or get hit by a car. Just because you are not starting something in your backyard doesn't mean your neighbors, kids and strangers won't. Some people do despicable things to animals left unattended. Don't take a chance on your pet.
• Under no circumstance should a pet be left unattended in a car. A pet in panic could result in damage to the car and injury to the pet. Given the cold temperatures we've had so far, the cold air and stress can further the effects of hypothermia and shock.
• The best place to leave pets is inside the house in a room where curtains or shades can be closed to block flashes of light caused by the fireworks. Leave lights and a TV or radio playing to muffle outside noises. A favorite blanket or toy can also provide security. Make sure to check on the pet regularly. Leaving unsupervised pets with chew toys such as raw hides, bones, pig ears and greenies is not recommended as pets may choke on them and the lack of supervision may be deadly to the pet. Wag'N recommends to leave them instead with a chew like Kong, natural deer or elk antler chews, or himalayan dog chew (hard cheese).
• Take pet on an extensive walk in the afternoon and shortly before 10PM. Make sure to carry a flashlight at night to make sure they don't get their nose in preset crackers or fireworks.
• If the celebration takes place at home NEVER leave the pet outside! Two things can happen: Pet gets interested in game, gets involved and burned. Or the pet gets frightened, which can lead to fear aggression. Pets and fireworks make a bad combination.
• Like for Halloween, make sure your pets carry proper and up-to-date identification.
• If your pet is afraid of loud noises you may want to consider tranquilizing it or an anxiety jacket. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian before administering tranquilizers.

Thanksgiving Fire & Pet Safety Tips

2010-11-18T13:53:00.001-05:00

Aaahhh the season of giving! Lets keep this entire weekend safe so you don't give away your house to flames and your pet to the emergency veterinarian!

Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than an average day according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In fact, each year more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day. Here are some facts outlined by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS:

"Thanksgiving Day fires in residential structures cause more property damage and claim more lives than residential structure fires on other days. Surprisingly, fire injuries in residences decrease on Thanksgiving Day. "Cooking is by far the leading cause of residential structure fires on Thanksgiving Day (42%), nearly double that of a normal day." "The leading factor in the ignition of residential cooking fires is food left unattended."

It’s so easy to become distracted and lose track of what’s happening in the kitchen when you are enjoying spending time with family and friends. But think of how distracting a house fire will be to your evening if enough attention is not paid to your kitchen, children and pets.

Here are some tips that will help you

Mitigate, Prepare and Respond to FIRE HAZARDS

** Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Guest, tails and children should not be able to easily access the candles. The candle holder should be completely noncombustible and difficult to knock over. The candle should not have combustible/flammable decorations around it.
** Get a fire extinguisher. Read the instructions and place it away from where open flames could impair access yet close enough for quick access.
** Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove or make sure an adult supervises the cooking.
** Cook on the back burners when possible and turn pot handles in so they don't extend over the edge of the stove.
**If you are simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on.
** Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
** Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.
** Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of three feet around the stove.
** Keep pets away from cooking areas by enforcing a "pet-free zone" of three feet around the stove.
** Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
** Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you're cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. DO NOT walk about the residence or kitchen with the burning pan "to bring it outside" as travel will add oxygen to the fire and risking to spark other items on your way out. DO NOT add water! (see picture above)
** For more tips on extinguishing grease fires see our blog post Baking Soda & Grease Kitchen Fires
** If you must use a turkey fryer, make sure it is outdoors and in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures that could catch on fire and away from moisture that can cause serious burns from steam or splattering hot oil. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. "The deep fryer can easily lead to an immediate burst of flames when a frozen turkey is dropped into hot oil. The fryer can tip over and cause a fire, or the steam from the frozen turkey could expand, pushing hot oil out of the device and starting a fire" Orem Fire Marshal Bret Larsen said
**Smoke alarms save lives. You should have replaced the batteries the night of Halloween. If you haven't, make sure you get that done before all the cooking starts. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen and use the test button to check it each month.
** Whether you have a gas fire place or a real fire place make sure to install a carbon monoxide detector. Most carbon monoxide problems occur with chimneys, fireplaces and furnaces because of improper exhausting of fumes. Such problems are almost entirely avoidable through regular professional chimney inspection.

PREVENTING CHILDREN & PET BURNS

Maintain a No Child No Pet Policy in the Kitchen!

With all the excitement, amazing smells tickling their fancy and the curious of both children and pets keeping them out of the way will mitigate many incidents. Pets & children can cause you to trip while holding heavy hot food. Pets may also be tempted to jump on counters which may lead to burns as they may plunge paws on hot stove tops/burners and in some cases may singe fur and lead to burns on other body parts. Kids may feel the temped to open ovens, pulls pans with hot food, oil and/or grease off the stove tops to take an extra look and cause severe facial burns. And at the risk of sounding repetitive, keep kids and pets away from candles!!

THANKSGIVING PET HAZARDS

By keeping your pet’s routine unchallenged you will be able to mitigate the most common Thanksgiving emergency veterinarian visits. Feed your pet before the big family meal and away from guests to reduce stress and disturbance. Holidays are no time to make sudden dietary changes. Avoid feeding your pet rich, fatty foods (turkey skins, gravy, etc,) as they can contribute to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the digestive gland is painful and can be serious-requiring emergency veterinary assistance. Never feed your dog cooked bones – no exception for wish bones - as they can splinter and cause tears or obstruction in your pet's digestive tract leading to internal bleeding.

Additional pet hazards include:
- Baking/meat strings,
- onions found in your stuffing (may lead to anemia if consumed by dogs),
- grapes and raisins (can lead to kidney failure),
- sage and essential oils,
- tin foil,
- cellophane candy wrappers,
- toothpicks,
- coffee and coffee grind,
- alcohol,
- Xylitol sweetener (see below),
- sweets and of course,
- chocolate (see below).

Raw bread dough may lead to Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) which is the second leading killer of dogs after cancer. When heated by the pet’s body temperature the raw dough will rise and swell, leading to its rotation then twisting at the esophagus and upper intestine. The twisting traps air and food obstructing veins in the abdomen leading to low blood pressure, shock and death within a few hours. As a general rule, avoid all exercise an hour after feeding anything to your pet. Raw dough is a No No year round!

Wag’N cautions that open doors will provide for escape routes. Wag’N recommends pets are kept in an enclosed room away from the racket, crated, or in a dog pen hindering access to the home’s main entrance. Whether the pet goes out or stays confined at home there will be many chances for it to run off or try to! All pets should wear up-to-date pet tags and be micro chipped before guests start showing up. If for any reason the pet escapes and gets lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances the pet will be swiftly reunited with its family.

Doggy Room. It is important that your pet has a quite place to get a time out or take a nap away from holiday guest, friends & family. Perhaps, your dog has a crate or you place your dog or cat bed in his own personal suite with a sign that says “Do Not Disturb”. Train your guests to your household rules.

Children and adults in your household should be reminded of how dangerous candy and chocolate can be to pets. Bromamine, found in chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. Leaving unsupervised pets with chew toys such as raw hides, bones, pig ears and greenies is not recommended as pets may choke on them and the lack of supervision may be deadly to the pet. Wag'N recommends to leave them instead with a chew like Kong, natural deer or elk antler chews, or himalayan dog chew (hard cheese).

Candies containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of Xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to lack of coordination, seizures, low blood sugar and liver failure within hours. Xylitol is found in candy and gum.

Wag'N highly recommends pet parents keep important life saving phone numbers both in their cell phone registry and displayed on paper copy in a prominent well traveled area of the residence. Important numbers include their emergency veterinarian's phone number, the ASPCA Poison Control Center Number (888) 426-4435 and the Regular Poison Control Number (800) 222-1222.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

What is a Pet Protection Agreement?

2010-11-15T12:59:00.002-05:00

Two-thirds of all Americans consider their pets to be family members. When we took on a pet we took on the responsibility of care. But what happens should something bad happen to us that would keep us from caring for our beloved pets? Who will take take of them, how can I make sure my pets don't end up euthanized in a shelter?

Developed in conjunction with noted animal law attorney, Rachel Hirschfeld, a Pet Protection Agreement makes it easy to ensure your current and future pets are cared for by someone you trust. It requires less maintenance than a formal pet trust and, most importantly, it could save your pet's life in a time of confusion.

What's the difference between a Pet Trust & a Pet Protection Agreement?
Read this article
Find Pet Trust State Statutes here

For more info on Pet Trusts go to:
www.pettrustlawyer.com
www.petriarch.com

FACTS:
- Nobody likes to think something bad is going to happen to them! That doesn't keep it from happening.
- A vast majority of people who were critically injured, suffered from a life threatening medical or trauma or dies today, probably didn't wake up and see it coming.
- Over 500,000 companion animals were euthanized this year because their pet owners died, moved into nursing homes or assisted-living situations, or otherwise were no longer able to care for them, and left them behind without enforceable plans.

How would you answer some of these questions:
- What do you think will happen to your animal companion after you die?
- Who is best suited (emotionally, physically and financially) to care for your animal companion(s)?
- Is this best suited person/entity willing to take over the care? (tricky difference between reality and wishful thinking). What if none of the people you name can or are willing to take on the care? Is there an animal rescue group you can name who could and would?
- What's the standard of living you want your animal companion to have?
- What do you want your pet guardian to know about your pet's care (feeding, standard & emergency veterinary care, exercise, etc)
- Do you support euthanasia for your pets if events warrant?
- Do you prefer burial or cremation for your pet?
Not the most pleasant thoughts. But wouldn't you feel better knowing that should something happen sooner rather than later your plan can be implemented? If you already have a will or life insurance and have companion animals please consider them. The cost of the Pet Protection Agreement starts at $39. That is peace of mind that we can all afford!

Get started now at

www.legalzoom.com/pet-trust-agreement/pet-protection-overview.html

Wag’N Halloween Pet Safety Warning for 2010

2010-10-29T14:40:00.002-04:00

Wag’N Enterprises, LLC, the leading pet safety gear and services provider, just issued its annual Halloween Pet Safety Warning reminding pet parents that amongst the various festivities, special caution needs to be taken to keep animals safe.

Herndon, VA October 27, 2010 -- With Halloween around the corner, thousands of children and young adults will partake in indoor and outdoor "Trick or Treating" festivities. Halloween exerts a lot of strange, non-natural/normal behavior, attitude, smells, food and clothing. As much fun as the upcoming holiday is, pet parents need to be mindful of certain hazards that may have a devastating effect on their pet’s health. Wag’N Enterprises encourages pet parents to create a Halloween safety plan.

The safety plan should include extra precautions needed for protecting your family, trick-or-treaters, and the pets. Every year, hundreds of pets become frightened by noises and strangers and ran outdoors during the "trick or treating" activities. It is best for dogs to get a long walk during day light prior to zombies, princesses and Madoff look-alikes start invading the streets.

Pets may be scared or spooked by the noise and strange looks of new oddly dressed strangers and may choose to bark aggressively, jump on, bite or bolt out the front door. All that while trying to defend or out of fear.

Wag’N cautions that open doors will provide for escape routes, children to scare and chase as well as hazardous treats. Wag’N recommends pets are kept in an enclosed room away from the racket, crated, or in a dog pen hindering access to the home’s main entrance.
Whether the pet goes out or stays confined at home there will be many chances for it to run off or try to! All pets should wear up-to-date pet tags and be micro chipped before guests and/or trick-or-treaters start showing up. If for any reason the pet escapes and gets lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances the pet will be swiftly reunited with its family. Owners of black cats should consider keeping their cats inside starting one week prior to Halloween to protect them against people that may want to snatch them for strange devilish sacrifices.

Trick or treating with dogs is not recommended for most pet parents. Some normally sociable pets may get spooked. Should the pet parents choose to dress up their pet, the costume needs to be fitted comfortably ensuring that the pet can see and breathe well. If the costume includes a face mask, there should be no lose hanging parts that may be ingested and areas near the snout and mouth need to allow for easy breathing and drinking.

Inside the home, dog tails can knock over candles! Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations and ornaments out of reach of both pets and small children. Halloween lights can cause digestive upsets or electrocution if swallowed, while electrical cords can cause electrocution if chewed.

Children and adults in your household should be reminded of how dangerous candy and chocolate can be to pets. Bromamine, found in chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. Leaving unsupervised pets with chew toys such as raw hides, bones, pig ears and greenies is not recommended as pets may choke on them and the lack of supervision may be deadly to the pet. Candies containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of Xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to lack of coordination, seizures, low blood sugar and liver failure within hours. Xylitol is found in candy and gum. Other hazardous foods and items include tin foil, cellophane candy wrappers, meat strings, toothpicks, cookie dough, cooked bones and alcohol.

Once the trick-or-treaters are gone, pets can be rewarded with short walks, few treats and some TLC. Late night walkers must remain cautious of sneaky humans spooking pets and passersby as well as left-over-goodies on sidewalks.

Wag'N highly recommends pet parents keep important life saving phone numbers both in their cell phone registry and displayed on paper copy in a prominent well travelled area of the residence. Important numbers include their emergency veterinarian's phone number, the ASPCA Poison Control Center Number (888) 426-4435 and the Regular Poison Control Number (800)222-1222.

Unlike many other holidays, Wag’N reminds pet parents that human logic is not common pet sense! Awareness and caution will keep tails wagging this holiday season. Wag'N Offers Pet Parents And First Responders The Necessary Gear, Supplies And Training To Effectively Mitigate, Prepare And Respond To Emergencies That Impact Pet Health And Safety.

Pet Loss Hotlines

2010-10-22T15:12:00.000-04:00

Pet First Aid & veterinary emergency care may just like human first aid & human emergency care not always help save your furry companions' life. The loss of an animal companion may be one of the most devastating and painful experiences we ever face. For many, such a loss is as traumatic as losing a family member or a dear friend and can trigger an intense grieving process. Grieving for a loved animal is a natural and normal reaction and will vary from person to person. At the time it happens you might feel alone and in need of some extra emotional support. We are hereby listing a few Pet Loss Hotlines staffed by volunteers to help you get through the devastating loss or grave illness of your pet.

* National Cancer Support Group for Animals. Call 508-285-2525 This group provides support for those individuals who have lost or are about to lose a pet. Although their primary focus is on dealing with cancer they are available to all those who love their "babies." Available 24 hours / 7 days a week.

* Washington State University - College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support. Call (866) 266-8635 or (509) 335-5704 or visit online at www.vetmed.wsu.edu/plhl

* Pet Loss Support Hotline hosted by the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Call 1-888-ISU-PLSH . Operational seven days a week, 6pm to 9pm (CST) from Sept-April; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6:00-9:00 pm (CST) from May-August.

* University of Illinois. Call 1-877-394-2273. Staffed by veterinary students. Student volunteers are at the phone to answer calls on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. Central Time. Callers may leave a message any time, and calls will be returned at their next shift, if not before. email: griefhelp@cvm.uiuc.edu

* The Companion Animal Related Emotions (C.A.R.E) Pet Loss Helpline is a confidential telephone service offered through the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. People who are either grieving the loss of a companion animal or are anticipating a loss are encouraged to call. If you need a compassionate, understanding person to talk to, we are here to listen and to support you. We are here Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 pm Central Time. Our toll-free telephone number is: (877) 394-CARE (2273).

* St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center. Call 973- 377-7094. Located at 575 Woodland Avenue - Madison, NJ 07940 - For the past 8 years they have offered pet loss support group sessions at no cost every Tuesday evening at their facility. Individual sessions are also available for a nominal fee.

* The Rainbow Passage - Pet Loss Support and Bereavement Center. Call 414-376-0340 . Charlene Douglas - 1528 E. River Rd. - Grafton, WI 53024
Telephone, written correspondence, and Internet pet loss support is free of charge. Also a Pet Loss Packet of information is available free upon request. Individual and group support sessions are also available.

* Pet Psyc - Terri M. Austin, Ph.D.. Call 831- 649-6283 or 831- 625-5573 Located in Monterey, CA Companion animal counseling educational services. Death/loss of pet, pet-assisted therapy, veterinary referrals, animal care education.

* Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine - The Pet Loss Support Hotline. Call
517-432-2696

CANADA

* Pet Loss Support Line. Call 1-250-389-8047. In Greater Victoria area, B.C. The Pet Loss Support Line is a service offered by the Pacific Animal Therapy Society and offers emotional support to anyone who has experienced or is anticipating the loss of a pet, for any reason. 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily (Pacific Time) Long distance calls will be returned collect.

Additional Internet Sites
Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss - www.pet-loss.net
ASPCA Pet Loss - www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-loss
Cornell University - www.vet.cornell.edu/org/petloss
Sheba Pet Loss Hotline - www.petlossline.com
Chance's Spot Pet Loss & Support Resources - www.chancesspot.org

PRESS RELEASE: Wag’N Pet First Aid Bandana Gets Pet Owners One Step Closer to Becoming their Pets’ Emergency Responders

2010-06-07T11:44:00.000-04:00

Wag’N’s new Pet First Aid Bandana provides first aid action steps for pet emergencies

Herndon, Virginia (June 07, 2010) – Many dog owner’s view their dog as a member of the family, giving them
special treats, premium food, trips to the dog park, “play dates” with other four-footed friends and even birthday
parties. Because dogs serve such an important role in our lives, dog owners should be prepared to act as a
“911 responder” in the event of an emergency where the dog requires immediate attention. The new Wag’N Pet
First Aid Bandana provides dog owners with essential pet first aid treatment guidelines for such topics as
hypothermia, heat exhaustion, insect and animal bites and more— literally tied around the pet’s neck.
“First aid and wilderness survival bandana’s have been available to assist during human emergencies for
years,” said Ines de Pablo, who holds a Masters Degree in Risk, Crisis & Emergency Management and is
founder of Wag’N Enterprises—the first and only dedicated Pet Emergency Management Company in the
world. “Pet owners love to dress up their dogs with collars and scarves—we believe that pet fashion can serve a
greater purpose by providing the basics of Pet First Aid on an easy to carry and versatile bandana.”
The only first aid bandana in the world made especially for pets, the
Wag’N Pet First Aid Bandana is 22” x 22” and is made 100% red cotton
with white imprint. The Wag’N Bandana summarizes the symptoms and
treatment of the following pet first aid topics:
• General Pet First Aid Rules
• Dog and Cat ABC’s – covers rescue breathing and pet CPR
• First Aid for bleeding as well as snake, insect and spider bites
• Situations requiring emergency veterinary care
• Chocking Management
• Burns – Actions for Survival
• Seizure Response
• Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke and Cold Injury First Aid
• Bleeding Management
• Shock First Aid
Dogs and their humans can wear the stylish bandana around the house, yard, or block, and it is great for hikes
or when traveling. The Wag’N Pet First Aid Bandana can also be used as a bandage, sling, eye patch, for
cleaning wounds, as an emergency muzzle, to signal an emergency, or even as an ice pack for an injured pet
or pet parent.
Wag’N reminds pet parents that the bandana does not circumvent them from taking a pet first aid course. The
skills of pet first aid are best learned in the classroom and the basics skills can be covered in as little as four
hours. The bandana was designed to remind pet owners of what to do when tensions are high in a pet related
emergency.
For more information about Wag’N Pet Safety Gear, visit www.wagn4u.com.
About Wag’N Pet Safety Gear
Founded in 2007, Wag’N offers pet parents and first responders the necessary gear, supplies and training to
effectively mitigate, prepare and respond to emergencies that impact pet health and safety. Chief Wag’N
Officer, Ines de Pablo holds a Masters Degree in Risk, Crisis & Emergency Management from the prestigious
George Washington University in Washington D.C. and has over a decade of extensive field training experience
under her belt. Wag’N Pet Safety Gear is a branded and extensive collection of purposefully designed and allencompassing
crafted tools and services giving people and their pets’ peace of mind in case of an emergency.

WANT TO LEARN CPR OR SEIZURE FIRST AID ONLY?

2010-04-05T17:51:00.002-04:00

The CPR NOW training session is provided to pet parents whose pets have been diagnosed with a heart condition and/or pulmonary/breathing distress. This skills session will go over the following

- Primary Assessment
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABCs) for Cats & Dogs
- Chocking Management

You Get
- 1 Hour One-On-One Session with Instructor (private course)
- ABC Diagram to Take Home
- Practice CPR on Stuffed Animals
- You may bring your pet if necessary
- Take Home ABC diagram

The CPR Training session does NOT certify you in Pet First Aid but provides you the skills you may need to use on your pet soon to save his/her life.

A SEIZURE RESPONSE training session is also available!
If your pet recently started having seizures and you want to acquire the skills to best help your pet this session can be taken by itself and/or in conjunction with the CPR NOW training session.

In Seizure Response You Get
- 30 minutes of One-On-One Session with Instructor (private course)
- Seizure First Aid
- Take Home Seizure Response Card & Instructions

If you select to just take the Seizure Response training the cost is $35 for 30 minutes of one-on-one class. Please note that if taken alone CPR skills are not included.
If you select to take both the SEIZURE RESPONSE and CPR NOW training sessions the overall session will take 1 hour and 30 minutes and the cost will be $65.00

Again these training sessions ARE ONLY for pet parents whose pet is already in distress and want to know how they can save its life RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW!

NO CERTIFICATION. JUST SKILL ACQUISITION!

LOCATION
WAG'N ENTERPRISES, LLC
795 Center St Ste 5B
Herndon, VA 20170

MUST CALL 703.787.9246 TO SCHEDULE YOUR TIME

AVAILABILITY
Monday Thru Friday 5PM til 7PM (7PM session ends at 8PM)
Saturday & Sunday: 12PM - 3PM (4PM session ends at 5PM)

INSTRUCTOR
Ines De Pablo

DURATION
1 Hour

MUST CALL AHEAD TO MAKE APPOINTMENT!
THIS SESSION IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
OUR OFFICES ARE GENERALLY CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!

Snow Storm/ Blizzard Travel Tips - Driving in Snow - Residential & Pet Safety

2010-02-05T13:27:00.005-05:00

One of the best ways to get through bad snow storms is to stay inside. If you know that a major snow storm is headed in your direction, make sure that you have enough supplies for a few days.

FIRE HYDRANTS
Because we cannot protect successfully against all fire hazards, make sure you mark fire hydrants in your community. If snow plows cover them make sure to prioritize these spots. Make notice on paper where all the hydrants are in your area. Should they be covered you will at least be able to communicate with your fire department and locate them faster.

POWER ISSUES
During very severe snow storms, it is possible for the power to go out. In order to prepare for this, it is good to have flashlights, replacement batteries, candles, and matches on hand. Candles must however be handled with extreme care to reduce fire hazards.

DOWNED POWER LINES
National Weather Service reminds us of the following:
Winter weather can cause power lines to fall to the ground. Never touch, move or go near any kind of downed or hanging line, even if it looks harmless.
Use extreme caution! Stay away from any downed lines because it may be dangerous. Getting near it could cause serious bodily injury or even death. In fact, anything touching a downed line may be dangerous. Warn others to stay away. Immediately report a downed line to your local utility company emergency center and in addition call your local police. Do not assume that the downed line is merely a telephone or cable television line. Do not put your feet into a puddle where a downed line is laying. In some instances wet or snow-covered ground can conduct electricity. Don not try to move tree limbs that are on or near power line. Remember, only knowledgeable utility company employees or someone under their supervision who is protected by the appropriate safety equipment should touch or move a downed line.
If you see someone who has been shocked and is in direct or indirect contact with a downed power line do not try to touch the person. Efforts to pull an electric shock victim away could make you a second victim. Never attempt to remove a power line. The only safe procedure is to immediately call your local police or emergency services and your local utility company's emergency center.
If a power line falls on a car, you should stay inside the vehicle. This is the safest place to stay under the circumstances. Honk your horn to alert passers-by. Roll down the window and warn people not to touch the car or the line. Ask someone to call the local utility company and emergency services. The only circumstances in which you should consider leaving a car that is in contact with a downed power line is if the vehicle catches on fire; open the door, but do not step out. Make sure that you jump completely free of the vehicle with both feet together to avoid contact with the live car (metal) and the ground at the same time. Hop as far away as possible from the vehicle keeping both feet together.
Remember, winter storms can bring down power lines. When line are down, stay away. Warn others to stay away and call your electric company or emergency services.

KEEP CANDLES OUT OF REACH OF PETS AND CHILDREN - CANDLE SAFETY
Tails and children should not be able to easily access the candles. The candle holder should be completely noncombustible and difficult to knock over. The candle should not have combustible/flammable decorations around it.
Keep matches out of reach of children and pets. They can start a fire in the hands of kids and be poisonous to pets.

It is best to purchase large candles that either come in or can be placed inside of a slightly larger glass jar. Taper candles that fit into candlesticks have open flames that can cause a fire hazard. Large votive candles inside of a fire-proof container are less likely to cause a problem. Be sure, however, to keep all candles away from curtains and any flammable material.

Candles are naked flames, so handle them very carefully:
>> Don't leave them burning in a room with no one in it.
>> Don't put them in or by plants, flowers or foliage, blankets, curtains, etc
>> Make sure they're in holders that won't fall over.
>> Put night lights or tea lights on a heat-resistant surface.
>> Keep them away from curtains and furniture, and not under a surface, like a shelf.
>> Don't put them where they could be knocked over easily or where people could burn their clothes or hair on them.
>> Make sure they're completely out - not smoldering.
>> Keep children and pets away
>> Keep candles at least 4 inches (10 cm) apart

VENTURING OUTSIDE
If you must venture out of your home during a snow storm, be sure to wear warm clothing and sensible shoes. It is best to wear boots with strong rubber treads. If you are going to go a far distance on foot, it is advisable to bring a thermos of some warm liquid such as tea or coffee with you. Drinking warm liquids can help you to stay warm on your journey. It is also advisable to bring a mobile telephone with you so that you can make an emergency call if necessary.

TRAVELING BY CAR

If you have to travel by car during a snow storm, tell someone that you are leaving from POINT A (address) and what route you are planning on taking to POINT B (destination). Do not deviate. Give them an estimated travel time. The chances you will be found are greater if someone knows you are traveling and what routes you are taking. Make sure that your vehicle has the appropriate tires and that they are in good condition (enough tire pressure). You may want to invest in chains that you can wrap around your tires if you get stuck in a snowdrift. Check your state law. Chains are illegal in many states.
Avoid driving in blizzard conditions with non four wheel drive vehicles!

SNOW/ICE DRIVING TIPS
First of all, don't break on ice! Your reflexes need to be kept in check. Treat your breaks gently.
Decelerate rather than brake. That means get your foot OFF the accelerator rather than brake. Then Shift to Lower Gear.
A majority of cars have gears lower than Drive. Gear under the "D" is generally 3rd or 2nd. The one below that is 1st. You get better performance in snow the lower you place your gears. Third and/or Second are preferred. First Gear should only be use at very slow speeds or to achieve braking faster.
Drive slowly. Your Jeep can make it to 60mph but when you that icy spot you'll be sliding out of control at 60mph. So keep it near 30-40mph if must travel faster on snow covered roads.

Do NOT counter steer if the car starts sliding on ice. Here is why. If you are traveling in a straight line and the car starts sliding, your tires are still straight. When the slide ends the car will keep going straight (were you left it). If you counter steer your tires will now be dramatically pointing left or right and when you regain control those tires will now take you to an extreme left or right. That's how you end up in the ditch, tree or traffic.
Be sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition as well. It is important for you to drive with the best possible visibility during a snow storm.Windshield wiper fluids should be replaced or mixed with winterized fluids to sustain sub-freezing temperatures.

Never leave without a full tank of gas. Refuel along the way to ensure you remain above 1/2 a tank.

IF STRANDED
Run your car for about 10 minutes each hour. Turn off the lights and radio when the car is not running to avoid running the battery down. Keep flares in the car. If you find yourself stranded in a remote area, don't go venture out. You will be much safer inside the car.
** If you are stuck once the snowstorm has passed, raise the hood of your car to signal an emergency. You can also post a flag or tie the handkerchief to the antenna to signal you need help.
** Ration your supplies. Eat small snacks every hour or so to give your body an energy source with which to generate heat. Drink about 4 ounces (half cup) of water every hour or so to prevent dehydration.

Important car emergency kit components include:
>> Blankets
>> Flashlight
>> Extra batteries
>> Towels
>> Shovel
>> Windshield scraper and small broom
>> Keep hand warmers
>> Thermal heat blankets
>> Battery powered radio
>> Water (at least 1 Gallon per person)
>> The food you keep must be non-perishable & eatable without cooking or heating necessary and with high protein content. Avoid foods high in sodium content (you'll need to drink more and will dehydrate you faster)
>> Matches
>> Extra snow hats, socks and mittens
>> Snowboard or ski pants (if possible to keep your lower body dry if you try to dig yourself out. Body temperature is lost in head, neck, under arm, groin area and feet)
>> Duct Tape
>> Necessary medications
>> Tow chain or rope
>> Road salt and sand
>> Booster cables
>> Emergency flares
>> Fluorescent distress flag
>> Seat Belt Cutters (keep them in center console)
>> Snow Boots
>> Sleeping bag
>> Toilet Paper
>> Keep an empty plastic container for inside the car bathroom breaks
>> Newspaper (to place inside clothes to maintain body warmth)
Consider carrying your emergency kit in a small duffel bag and storing it in the passenger's footwell, where it can be easily accessed by the driver (and where it won't become a projectile in a collision).

PETS IN THE STORM
Winter storms don't just affect you - they also affect your pets. And your pets depend on you for their safety. There are many ways to be "Pet Prepared," but you must think ahead and start planning NOW. Also, consult our All-Hazards Preparedness Checklist for Cats & Dogs, and for small animals so that you can be prepared for any weather emergency. During a winter storm, if you see an injured or stranded animal that needs help, contact your local animal control officer or animal shelter. Get that number pre-programmed in your phone NOW while you have power.

OUTDOOR PETS
Some pets are better suited than others for living outdoors. There is a common misconception that dogs will be "fine" if left outside. This is not true! Pets are not wolves. All pets need adequate shelter from the elements and insulation against cold weather. Pets should not be left outside for long periods in freezing weather - like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.

Certain breeds, such as Huskies and Samoyeds are better suited to very cold weather, but the majority of dogs and need your help and intervention. That does not mean you can leave them outside if they are not used to the elements.
Indoor accommodations are best during extreme temperature drops, but if that is not possible, set up a suitable house in an area protected from wind, rain, and snow. Insulation, such as straw or blankets will help keep in body heat. If your animal is prone to chewing, do not use blankets or material that can be ingested. Cedar shavings can be irritating to the skin, so use with caution depending on your pet's hair coat.

CAUTION

DO NOT use a heat lamp, space heater, or other device not approved for use with animals. This is a a burn hazard for your pet and a fire hazard. Pet supply vendors sell heated mats for pets to sleep on or to be placed under a dog house, but read and follow directions carefully before use.
Fresh water is a must at all times! Pets are not able to get enough water from licking ice or eating snow. A heated dish is a wonderful tool for cold climates. The water stays cold, but doesn't freeze. Caution needed for animals that may chew.
If you have "NO PETS INSIDE THE RESIDENCE" policy please consider the barn and a garage or laundry room as an emergency exception.

ANIMAL FOOT CARE
Dogs walking in snowy areas may get large ice balls between their pads, causing the dog to limp. Be sure to keep ice clear from this area. For dogs that have a lot of hair between the pads, keeping it clipped shorter will help with ice ball formation. Dog boots offer protection to those dogs that will tolerate wearing them.

SALT AND CHEMICAL DEICERS
Pets who walk on sidewalks that have been "de-iced" are prone to dry, chapped, and potentially painful paws. This will encourage the pet to lick their paws, and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and upset. Wash off your pet's feet after an outing with a warm wet cloth or foot bath.

FROZEN LAKES AND PONDS
Animals don't realize what "thin ice" is. Once they fall in, it is very difficult for them to climb out and hypothermia is a very real and life-threatening danger. "Ice skating" dogs are prone to injuries such as cruciate tears if allowed to "skate" with their humans. This is also true of icy walks.

ANTIFREEZE DANGERS
Thirsty and curious pets will lap up antifreeze. Just a few licks can be fatal. All antifreeze containers have warnings. The best way to mitigate a pet emergency is to ensure that your pets are not placed in direct contact with any container that has safety warnings. So lock up antifreeze containers and clean up spills immediately.
Place ALL chemical containers out of your kids and pets reach. Especially if you decide to leave the pet in the garage as your pets may get bored and decide to chew up what's left available. Same applies to electrical cords. Also, do NOT start the car in a closed garage - for your safety and your pet's safety - carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer.

HEAT-SEEKERS BEWARE!
Cats and little critters will seek warmth where they can get it, and that may be the warm engine of a car just parked. Before staring your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn to scare off any cats - and prevent tragedy.

ARTHRITIC ANIMALS
Arthritis is worse during cold and damp weather. Take special care to handle your pet gently, watch out for icy walks, provide soft (and possibly heated) bedding, and administer any necessary medications.Do not leave these pets out in the cold for longer periods of time.

TOP COLD WEATHER TIPS

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm-dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear. If you did shave your dog recently make sure to take them out for walks with a coat!

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him-and his fur-in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

11. Keep the Regular Poison COntrol Center # and the ASPCA Phone # in your phone.

ASPCA Poison Control # is (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee is be applied to your credit card.

Regular poison control # is 1-800-222-1222 and is free. In most cases they can also help your pets.

You can download the Wag'N Winter Pet Safety Hazards here

Pet New Year Safety Tips: Starting off 2010 With a Wag

2009-12-29T15:07:00.001-05:00

How was your 2009? How about we make 2010 better? Ok. So let’s let’s take a wag at how we can keep our furry friends safer during the upcoming festivities.

Thunderstorms and fireworks are the leading cause of pet anxiety. Remember however that party favors & popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing to some pets and may lead to a lifelong Loud Noise Syndrome (perpetually afraid of loud noises whether natural or manmade)

Signs of stress in dogs due to fireworks include:

* scratching at doors

* not wanting to go outside in the dark

* digging at the carpets

* hiding/dashing under/behind furniture

* running away

* salivation

* shaking

* house soiling

* nervousness easily startled or is jumpy

* trembling

* incessant noisemaking like barking or whining

* restlessness. Pet constantly moving around, fidgeting, and reacting to every single noise.

* freezing. In this case, the dog is so stressed that he cannot move.

* overeating,

* appetite loss,

* poor concentration(can’t focus on what you ask him/her)

* destructive behavior

* aggressive behavior

NOISE SOLUTIONS: If you are hosting a New Year’s Party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are comfortable. While you're at it, you may want to consider a ban on the horns and noisemakers that are so popular at New Year's celebrations. Bringing that kind of stress into your house is not a Wag’N Good Idea!

If you know your pet is afraid of fireworks here are some solutions:

Natural Remedies (talk to your holistic vet or wag out Bach Remedies) Prescription Meds (talk to your veterinarian), Anxiety Wraps, Mutt-Muffs, Sound Therapy, Desensitization (Takes time. Make that a New Year training resolution. Talk to your dog trainer). Remember: What works for some does not work for all.

Always check with your veterinarian and behavior specialist before using any drugs or tranquilizers. Internet posts are not your pet health bible. A simple post typo could seriously harm your pet.What works for their pet may not work for yours as you may have to consider weight, medical history, breed and being aware of possible side effects may not make it worth your while.

Remember that as some pets age they might lose or gain phobias. It only takes one new bad experience to change the game. With that in mind refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to sound trauma and exposes them to fire hazards should something go wrong next door.

DO NOT LET YOUR ACTIVE DOG WHO IS AFRAID OF NOTHING HANG OUT THE CROWD OF HOME MADE AND FAMILY FIREWORKS. THAT LIGHT STICK IS APPEALING AND RUNNING AWAY WITH IT MAY BE EVEN MORE APPEALING.

PETS HAVE NO BUSINESS NEAR LIVE FIREWORKS! KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE!

DO NOT START FIREWORKS NEAR THE HOUSE!

RUN AWAY ISSUES & SOLUTIONS:

To make sure that your pets do not run away, exercise them on New Year Eve afternoon. be aware that fireworks may be set off before dark so keep a shorter leash and secure the collar on your pet in case it gets startled while outside. Tags buts be updated and on the pet during that walk. Make sure they get a good work out or walk. Feed them early and then let relax in a “safe room of sorts” where you play music or let the TV run.

If you are hosting a party make sure your pets stays in that room by posting a note on the door. Let your guests know to stay clear of that area. That goes back to training your guests into your house rules.

Make sure that the room you leave the pets in does:

- not allow for easy escape (cracked open windows),

- not provide them with potentially hazardous things to destroy (xmas tree, multi plug power outlets, food reserves, medication cabinet, garage poisons like fuel, paint etc)

As guest come and go the front door is a great escape route. Either way keep your pet’s tags on the pet! Make sure the information is current. Microchipping your pet is a great general rule. There also make sure the information is up-to-date.

DO NOT LET YOUR ACTIVE DOG WHO IS AFRAID OF NOTHING HANG OUT THE CROWD OF HOME MADE AND FAMILY FIREWORKS. THAT LIGHT STICK IS APPEALING AND RUNNING AWAY WITH IT MAY BE EVEN MORE APPEALING.

PETS HAVE NO BUSINESS NEAR LIVE FIREWORKS! KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE!

DO NOT START FIREWORKS NEAR THE HOUSE!

RESIDENTIAL HAZARDS & SOLUTIONS

- Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that has been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.

- Keep party decorations like balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti away from pets as they may cause physical harm if ingested. So while decorating for your party, keep the animals in a separate area where they do not have access to the decorations. If they do get into them, consult a veterinarian immediately.

- Keep candles away from tails and little hands…and drunk hands. Click here to read more on holiday fire safety. Make sure you know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it!

- Party food and party guests. When cooking maintain a “no pets and children in the kitchen” policy. See holiday post for more on food safety.

- Hazardous “feel better keep you busy toys”. Rawhides, pig ears and the like are not going to be your best option as pets need to be supervised when eating them. It takes only a few minutes to choke in silence alone surrounded by noise. So consider those a NO NO as asphyxiation is not a good way to end or start anything.

DO NOT LET YOUR ACTIVE DOG WHO IS AFRAID OF NOTHING HANG OUT THE CROWD OF HOME MADE AND FAMILY FIREWORKS. THAT LIGHT STICK IS APPEALING AND RUNNING AWAY WITH IT MAY BE EVEN MORE APPEALING.

PETS HAVE NO BUSINESS NEAR LIVE FIREWORKS! KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE!

DO NOT START FIREWORKS NEAR THE HOUSE!

SAFETY SUMMARY

KEEP YOU PETS INDOORS, WELL EXERCISED AND FED, WITH ALL THEIR TAGS AND IDS, BUSY WITH SAFE TOYS AND NOISES TO KEEP THEM CALM FROM OUTDOOR WACKYNESS. DO NOT LEAVE THE FRONT DOOR OPEN, TRAIN YOUR GUESTS TO LEAVE PETS ALONE, CHECK IN WITH PETS A FEW TIMES. KEEP PETS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS!

WINTER HOLIDAY PET HAZARDS

2009-12-09T14:39:00.006-05:00

WINTER HOLIDAY PET HAZARDS

TREES AND DECORATIONS

NATURAL DECORATIONS
Pine needles pose a great danger to pets. They may get lodged in an animal’s esophagus, making for painful and difficult swallowing. Mistletoe may get you kissed, but should your pet consume this holiday green it will likely cause a drop in blood pressure, vomiting and a swollen throat. Other holiday foliage, including Holly and Poinsettias, contain toxins that could lead to severe stomach problems, as well as skin, mouth and eye irritation. Worse yet, Yew is extremely toxic, and one mouthful could be deadly.

TREE HAZARDS
Some pets like to drink tree water, which under can be dangerous. The problem lies in fertilizers that may have been added to the water, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting, as well as certain types of pine sap that are poisonous. Furthermore, stagnant water at the base of the tree can have extremely high bacterial content, which can cause similar side effects as fertilizers and sap.
Old artificial trees may release toxic fumes if placed near heat (like a fireplace or space heater). Worse yet, some of the plastics used may dissolve into dust, making it difficult to spot. If you own an older tree replace it soon – It poses a danger to your entire family!

ARTIFICIAL DECORATIONS, LIGHTS AND CANDLES
Shiny decorations and candles don’t mix well with curious pets. Make sure that you do not leave any tinsel, ribbon and ornament hooks where they may be accessible to your furry pals. Wag’N also recommends that you do not keep unattended flames at any time, especially in the vicinity of pets. Remember, just because your dog does not usually climb or jump onto furniture it does not mean that it never will. Electrical lights pose their own hazards, such as pets chewing on the colorful cords or tripping – make sure to tape all exposed cords to walls or floors to prevent accidents. Glass ornaments should be kept out of reach as they may be broken by pets. Glass shards are extremely dangerous if consumed by a hungry pup.

FIRE PLACE AND YULE LOGS
Yule logs are popular in the holiday season as they provide us with colorful flames. These logs contain heavy metal salts, which are toxic to pets if ingested. Naturally, any open flame also presents a danger to pets.

FOOD HAZARDS

GENERAL TIPS
Should your pet eat something that it is outside of its usual diet it may cause intestinal inflammation, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Side effects depend on the type of pet you have, as well as their size, weight and eating habits.

FATTY ITEMS
There are, however, certain food items that may cause life threatening conditions on your pet such as:
>> Alcoholic beverages, chocolate (of any kind), coffee and onions. Ham and other fatty items can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if eaten in even small amounts. Please keep all of these items out of reach at all times, and instruct your guest not to feed your pets any scraps or leftovers.
>> Do not feed pets cooled drippings – The combination of human seasonings and rich stock can easily upset your pet’s digestive system.

WEATHER AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS

WEATHER HAZARDS

Bring in your pets when the temperature reaches 30 degrees with the wind chill. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside. Many people think that dogs with heavy coats can resist temperature changes much like wolves and other wild animals. Dogs evolved from wolves over 15000 years ago and the differences don’t end there… (read on)

ANTIFREEZE AND OTHER CHEMICALS
>> Keep antifreeze out of reach of all your pets. Antifreeze may taste sweet to pets but it contains ethylene glycol which in a matter of minutes can cause permanent kidney damage if ingested even in small amounts.
>> Deicers (also known as ice melts) are used to melt ice and snow on slippery sidewalks, roadways and driveways. Salt is used often as a deicer, as it is efficient and affordable. Unfortunately, salt is very irritating to foot pads of dogs and cats. Some pets may ingest the deicer as they lick their paws, or they may eat it directly off the ground. Side effects range from drooling and diarrhea to more serious complications such as excessive thirst, fainting, seizures, comma and even death.
>> Use a salt-free deicer on your own driveway and walkways, such as Safe Paw.
>> Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause serious ulceration to the mouth, tongue and intestines.

Keep in mind that seasonal hazards may be slightly different in your area and that the best gift your can offer your pets this holiday season is good health and some extra love and attention.

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Pet Hazards

2009-11-12T15:16:00.001-05:00

Wooooof! That ooh so sweet aroma of a fresh mouthwatering roasting turkey, cornbread stuffing and that sweet, spicy pumpkin pie teasing your scavenger doggy lips? Yum Yum!

Remember that although this is the season of giving…you do NOT want to end up giving your vet a visit!

No matter what kind of diet your pet is on, Thanksgiving is not the time to change that diet. Remember that any NEW food diet introduced should be done in a controlled manner. Not under the table!

"Pets Out-Of-The-Kitchen" Rule
The kitchen will be ground zero for children and pet hazards the days prior, of and following Thanksgiving. Tripping, counter surfing, and burn hazards make the kitchen an accident waiting to happen. Prevention is your best asset. No access No Problem!
See Thanksgiving Fire Hazards for more convincing!

Secure Your Garbage
Every hazard listed here below will in some shape or form end up in the trash. Pets can get in trouble not only with the food they scavenge away but also with the wrappings, such as aluminum foil, tin foil, plastic wrap, wax paper, meat strings etc. The swallowing of such coverings can cause intestinal obstruction.

Fire Hazards
Watch out for the decorations. Pets are curious and new items lying around the house might attract their fancy. Candles should be placed away from the reach of children (2 legged) and pets….beware of the super Wag’N pet and the new fancy candles…pet fur can singe your pet’s fur in a Wag’N minute!

Table Scraps/Sudden Diet Change Hazards
Rich, fatty foods (turkey skins, gravy, etc,) can contribute to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the digestive gland is painful and can be serious--requiring emergency veterinary assistance.

If you think that left over would be unhealthy for you it will be unhealthy for your pet!

Bone Hazards
Remember that cooked turkey, duck, geese and other bird bones are dangerous to your pet. These bones are generally are hollow and break and splinter easily. Because they are so easily breakable, dogs usually won't chew them thoroughly….especially if they end up playing chase or catch with the Turkey! When swallowed, the sharp pieces can choke the dog or block, tear the intestines. A pet that has a bone or fragment of one lodged in his intestine may not even show symptoms for a few days. When they do occur they may include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, or diarrhea. Sometimes the bone will pass by itself; other times it may need to be surgically removed. So make sure all leftovers and throw away and out of your pets' reach!

Dessert Hazards
CHOCOLATE, macadamia nuts & grapes/raisins are poisonous to dogs, cats & ferrets! Just make sure your pet only trick or treats for pet cookies. Human candy can be extremely dangerous to your pet!

Train Your Guests
So you’ve implemented all those rules. Great! The only problem left are the people that don’t know the rules, including kids and adult guests. Maybe because the spirit of sharing and the guest guilt kick in they will have that tendency to “satisfy that puppy face” Seriously a no no. You know the hazards and you know your pet’s tricks best. Train your guests. Let them know the pet already ate and that feeding without your permission will cause more harm than good.

Wag'N Recommendations

>> Like for all big celebrations maintain your pet’s feeding and exercise schedule … unless it conflicts with the hazards…pets like their routine. You may want to extend the walk to ensure that all excessive energy is dissipated on younger dogs.

>> Make sure you provide enough water for them. Some pets deal with stress by drinking a bit more. Others chose destruction to get attention and pacify themselves. Give your pet something to do. That does not mean leave pet in non attended room with a rawhide! There are plenty safer toys such as Kongs, Treat Dispensing Chew Toys (Pet stage puppy occupy, Puzzler Treat, Woofie Wobbler, Busy Buddy, etc) and Pacifying Toys (like rope toys, Nylabones).

…Note that you purchase non-flavored rope toys and flavor them yourself by letting them sit in watered down tuna water etc (just keep the sodium and fatty levels low) then freeze it and provide it frozen…

>> Make sure that they get a quiet refuge away from “guest commotion”. A crate or a room where they can rest and not be bothered in. Make sure they have access to water. This also gets back to the “Training Your Guests” to make sure everyone knows to give the pet space in that safe zone.

Foods to Keep Away From Your Pets
- Turkey fat
- Poultry Skin
- Bones from fish, meat, or poultry (turkey included)
- Uncooked meat, fish, and poultry
- Onions in holiday stuffing may lead to canine anemia
- Garlic
- Raisins and Grapes toxins can cause kidney failure in pets
- Macadamia nuts
- Uncooked yeast dough
- Alcohol
- Coffee/Tea
- Alcohol
- Rich, fatty foods (gravy, grease, chips)
- Sweets (especially chocolate)

2009-10-27T11:23:00.004-04:00

I Wag for Wag'N
Guest Post By Kamran Smith
www.SkyDogSit.com

Last Saturday (Oct 24, 09), I took Ines' Pet Saver (extensive Pet First Aid) class and came
away with my brain stuffed with new knowledge. STUFFED!
And one doesn't usually describe a first aid class as "delightful,"
but watching Ines interact with MayDay and Gypsy, her two dogs, was a
hoot. Ines uses both dogs to demonstrate how you can find a dog's
femoral pulse, how to make and apply a muzzle, and how to bandage
wounds. The look of martyrdom on Gypy's face as she was bandaged up
was priceless! The patient sighs, the sad eyes, the dull look that
brightened when Ines mentioned "chicken!" All this lead to the eager
munching of the promised chicken treat and then back to her bed before
Mamma Ines once again asked her to come upfront for another demo.
More sighing, more fake "sad" looks, and the whole cycle started
again. The humor aside, it's always heartwarming to see well-loved,
well-trained dogs like Gypsy and MayDay.

I loved that fact that the class included plush doggies that we could
perform CPR and rescue breathing on. While it was funny to see Ines
handing out toy dogs to the class, those cute critters were incredibly
useful. For the first time, I was able to "perform" breathing and CPR
on both a small and large dog ... and learn how to position the dog,
how it would feel to do the chest presses, etc. That was invaluable
experience. I also appreciated that Ines and Vet Tech advocate
approaching a prone dog from the rear, rather than bopping right up to
the front end and hence, the face and big, sharp teeth.

Also, Ines taught a lot about keeping ourselves safe when performing
first aid -- how to position our arms to leave one free to push a
snapping dog's face away if necessary, for example.

There was so much information in the class. Toward its end, I was
tired and wanted to yell, "STOP!" But I'm so glad I didn't, being that
it would not only be socially odd to do so, but also because I did
actually retain all that information and nothing was excessive or not
important. Ines pointed out that if we scanned through the first aid

book when we got home, we could increase our retention rate. She was

absolutely right! And of course, practice, as she emphasized is
important to, so I guess it's in the cards for me to get a plush dog.
(Oddly enough, Ines does NOT loan out Gypsy and MayDay, despite our

pleas.)

Take the class ... you'll be glad you did and it will start you
thinking about not only pet first aid, but also, pet care and disaster
preparation. And, of course, you too, now have an excuse to get
yourself a plush dog!

To Read More of Kamran's Posts check out her Blog
(Pet)Sit and Chat: Petsitting and Life

HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY WARNINGS

2009-10-26T15:31:00.004-04:00

HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY WARNINGS

With Halloween around the corner, thousands of children and young adults will partake in indoor and outdoor "Trick or Treating" festivities. Halloween exerts a lot of strange, non-natural/normal behavior, attitude, smells, food and clothing. As much fun as the upcoming holiday is, pet parents need to be mindful of certain hazards that may have a devastating effect on their pet’s health. We encourage you to create a Halloween safety plan.

The safety plan should include extra precautions needed for protecting your family, trick-or-treaters, and the pets. Every year, hundreds of pets become frightened by noises and strangers and ran outdoors during the "trick or treating" activities. It is best for dogs to get a long walk during day light prior to zombies, princesses and Madoff look-alikes start invading the streets.

Pets may be scared or spooked by the noise and strange looks of new oddly dressed strangers and may choose to bark aggressively, jump on, bite or bolt out the front door. All that while trying to defend or out of fear.

Wag’N cautions that open doors will provide for escape routes, children to scare and chase as well as hazardous treats. We recommend pets are kept in an enclosed room away from the racket, crated, or in a dog pen hindering access to the home’s main entrance.

Whether the pet goes out or stays confined at home there will be many chances for it to run off or try to! All pets should wear up-to-date pet tags and be micro chipped before guests and/or trick-or-treaters start showing up. If for any reason the pet escapes and gets lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances the pet will be swiftly reunited with its family. Owners of black cats should consider keeping their cats inside starting one week prior to Halloween to protect them against people that may want to snatch them for strange devilish sacrifices.

Trick or treating with dogs is not recommended for most pet parents. Some normally sociable pets may get spooked. Should the pet parents choose to dress up their pet, the costume needs to be fitted comfortably ensuring that the pet can see and breathe well. If the costume includes a face mask, there should be no lose hanging parts that may be ingested and areas near the snout and mouth need to allow for easy breathing and drinking.

Inside the home, dog tails can knock over candles! Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations and ornaments out of reach of both pets and small children. Halloween lights can cause digestive upsets or electrocution if swallowed, while electrical cords can cause electrocution if chewed.

Children and adults in your household should be reminded of how dangerous candy and chocolate can be to pets. Bromamine, found in chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. Leaving unsupervised pets with chew toys such as raw hides, bones, pig ears and greenies is not recommended as pets may choke on them and the lack of supervision may be deadly to the pet. Candies containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of Xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to lack of coordination, seizures, low blood sugar and liver failure within hours. Xylitol is found in candy and gum. Other hazardous foods and items include tin foil, cellophane candy wrappers, meat strings, toothpicks, cookie dough, cooked bones and alcohol.

For more information on Xylitol see our previous post on this blog

Once the trick-or-treaters are gone, pets can be rewarded with short walks, few treats and some TLC. Late night walkers must remain cautious of sneaky humans spooking pets and passersby as well as left-over-goodies on sidewalks.

Unlike many other holidays, Wag’N reminds pet parents that human logic is not common pet sense! Awareness and caution will keep tails wagging this holiday season.

Wag'N Offers Pet Parents And First Responders The Necessary Gear, Supplies And Training To Effectively Mitigate, Prepare And Respond To Emergencies That Impact Pet Health And Safety.

Xylitol May Kill Your Dog!

2009-09-29T00:42:00.005-04:00

Xylitol May Kill Your Dog!

Was watching CBS News Tonight (September 28 2009). Thought this was a great reminder on the matter of feeding candy to dogs. Halloween is around the corner. Make sure to keep this in mind!

The link below covers what happened to Gracie
http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=91355&catid=158

What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is an organic compound. This sugar alcohol is used as a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in the fibres of many fruits and vegetables, including various berries, corn husks, oats, and mushrooms.It can be extracted from corn fibre,birch, raspberries, plums, and corn.

Xylitol was first derived from birch trees in Finland in the 20th century. It was first popularised in Europe as a safe sweetener for people with diabetes that would not impact insulin levels. It is advertised as "safe for diabetics and individuals with hyperglycemia.

What products include Xylitol?
Generally speaking candy, chewing gum, breath fresheners, smoking cessation aids such as nicotine gum, toothpastes, sunscreen, some vitamins, diet supplements and TIC TACS! Found some other products listed here:
Clen Dent, Spry, B-Fresh, Zapp, and XlearDent Xyliol Gums; Smart Sweet, Spry, and Robeir Breath Mints; PolySweet xylitol crystals; Micro Spray Vitamins, Xlear Nasal Wash, and tooth, gum, and canker sore protection with Squigle Enamel Saver Xylitol Toothpaste; Spry fluoride-free Mouthwasy and Toothpaste, and Epic Fluoride Alternative Toothpaste. Other products include: ChocoPerfection Dark Chocolate, La Nouba sugarfree Belgian Chocolates, Xyli-Floss, Twooth Timer brushing timer, and infant tooth gel; Trident sugarless gum; Rescue Remedy; breath fresheners;; sunscreen, and even some vitamins and diet supplements.

Why is it so dangerous?
When human beings consume xylitol, the sweetener is absorbed very slowly into the body without provoking any significant release of insulin. When a pet ingest products containing the deadly substance it absorbs xylitol extremely quickly, confusing its pancreas into pumping put a blast of insulin. That high level of insulin is however not necessary. In turn the insulin grabs up all the glucose and the pets blood sugar plummets. The result is a profound, life-threatening hypoglycemia. The first sign is usually vomiting, followed by lethargy, weakness, collapse, seizures, and, sometimes, death. (source here)

So how much is too much?
100 milligrams of Xylitol per kilogram of canine body weight.
As little as 3 grams of Xylitol (eight piece of chewing gum) is enough to kill a 65 pound dog. As little as two piece of gum could kill a terrier.(source here)

What are the warning signs?
Early warning signs for pets that ingest xylitol include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. The next stage could include seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few hours or days depending on ingested dosage. In Gracie's case induced vomiting within 30 minutes saved her life.

What should I do if my dog is exhibiting symptoms?
If you find that your dog has consumed a product containing xylitol as a sweetener, call your veterinarian immediately. If the dog is exhibiting symptoms, take the dog to the vet’s office right away. THAT IS AN EMERGENCY!

Is this a new issue?
Absolutely not. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) started warning against the dangers years ago. For more detailed articles click here , here and here. Ever since then there seems to be a dramatic increase in dog poisoning cases. Over the years more and more companies started including xylitol as a sweetener in its products. For humans, it is generally safe and even recommended for diabetics. It is also recognized because it has the same sweetness as sugar but with significantly fewer calories, and dentists will argue that it has been reported to prevent tooth decay (one reason it’s an ingredient in Trident gum). But again this is a perfect example of just because humans can have we should share with dogs. Different species. Different needs.

How can I prevent this?
To prevent xylitol poisoning, dog owners should be aware of products that often contain xylitol as a sweetener, and keep those products out of reach of their dogs.

READ YOUR LABELS. RULE OF THUMB. NO CANDY FOR ANY DOG AT ANY TIME!

If its human made candy. Your dog does NOT need it. Puppy eyes or not!

If you have children and dogs make sure to keep the candy away from the reach of the pet...and in most cases of the kids. Inform older children of the dangers so they don't leave it laying around not knowing the dangers. Tic Tacs seems harmless but they are not. A dogs liver was not created for this type of food.

And first and foremost, READ THE LABELS. Don't make assumptions. Pharmaceutical and chemical companies will amaze you...in a bad doggy way!

Does that mean that all dogs are going to show symptoms?
Of course not. Not everyone is allergic to peanuts, sugar, milk products but the canine species at at more risk than the human species and you now know its not healthy for your pup. With high risk and zero reward why do it? Just because its naturally occurring doesn't mean it won't kill you. There are long lists of poisonous plants and mushrooms! Natural is not synonym for safe!

Another video on the matter can be found here

PET OXYGEN MASKS FOR THE WASHINGTON DC FIRE DEPARTMENT

2009-09-03T22:50:00.006-04:00

Wag'N is wagging its best to raise enough funds to help the Washington DC Fire Department acquire 11 PET OXYGEN MASK KITS. Each kit is priced at $85. That means we need to raise $935.In this case no shipping fees are required.

GOAL IS TO RAISE THE $935 BY OCTOBER 1, 2009

There are many ways to help:
1) If you live in DC, go by The Big Bad Woof, 117 Carroll Street NW, DC • Weekdays 10am-8pm • Weekends 10am-6pm • In the heart of Old Takoma, one block away from Takoma Red Line Stop. Donations can be made in the store.

2) If you want to help, have a dog and live in Northern VA come by
Bark'N Bubbles Dog Wash Herndon SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19 between 11AM and 3PM. Wag'N volunteers will wash your pooch while you relax! Price per wash is $21. A donation box will also be available.

3) You can also make a donation online via the Wag'N Website site. Click HERE to make your donation now.

4) You can sponsor an entire pet oxygen mask kit for the department by clicking here.
Just select We Wish To Sponsor "A Wag'N Fellow Department" in the drop box and then select on whether you want to remain anonymous or not. Upon checkout add "DCFIRE" in the comment box.

5) Swing by Wag'N 4 The Cure on either September 12 and/or September 13. There will be many opportunity to learn about K9 Cancer and donate to the DC Fire Department.
For a location and times of the event click HERE

6) By making a check payable to:
Wag'N Enterprises
Add "O2FurLife - DC Fire" in the comment line
and send it to
Wag'N Enterprises, LLC
Attn: O2 Fur Life - DCFIRE
795 Center St, Ste 5B,
Herndon, VA 20170

Every fire department across the country needs pet oxygen masks on their fire engine or to a minimum at least one per Battalion Chief.
Washington DC Fire needs more than 11 kits!
Due to the economy and the DC budget, pet oxygen mask kits need to be donated to the department at this time.

The 11 kits will be distributed as follows:
Each Battalion Chief will get 1 set (there are 7 Battalion Chiefs) and
Each K9 Unit will be outfitted with one set (there are 4 K9 Units).
The first goal is to get these 11 kits. Wag'N will keep raising funds for DC Fire!

Pet oxygen masks save pet lives. Just like humans pets suffer from smoke inhalation when there is a residential fire. Human masks are not the best fit (our facial anatomy is just too different). No one is asking the firefighters to choose human over animal life. If a firefighter saves a pet, that pet will need oxygen on the scene just like we do! Smoke inhalation can be fatal to all living beings! Please help us make a difference!

Remember that the pet's life they save could be your own!
All help is appreciated!

Semper Wag'N

2009-08-17T13:14:00.003-04:00

Pet First Aid For Cats & Dogs
Topic: Seizures

What should I do if I notice that my pet is having a seizure?

- STAY CALM BECAUSE YOUR DOG CAN'T!
- RECORD DURATION OF SEIZURE: CHRONO START
Most seizures will stop within approximately 10 minutes
- KEEP ANIMAL ON FLOOR
Stay away from stairs, power cords, glass, trees, roots, etc
- SNAP OFF COLLARS
if you notice respiratory distress
- STAY CALM
- KEEP OTHER PETS AWAY FROM SEIZING ANIMAL.
EVEN THEIR BEST PAL!
A lot of animals get stressed out and often times try to attack the seizing pet. This reaction is to be expected.
- KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. WAIT FOR SEIZURE TO STOP. ASSESS

If you notice anything out of the ordinary laying near the pet (or in a room/outdoor area where the pet recently came from) such as poisons, chemicals etc, package if safe to do so (and/or record by video or photo if you don't feel safe handling the chemical/poison)and bring evidence with you to veterinarian. If you suspect poisoning call poison control. But whatever you do - make sure YOU STAY SAFE!

Keep a diary as to how often the seizures occur and the motions and movements the dog makes.

PET MAY PASS STOOL OR URINE – IT’S INVOLUNTARY.
DO NOT GET MAD!

DO NOT
- Panic
- Scream or get agitated
- Place anything in pet’s mouth -includes your fingers, medication, board, etc
- Place anything near pet's mouth
- Grab the tongue – They cannot swallow it!
- Muzzle the pet. If pet is muzzled remove muzzle immediately
- Try to kiss the dog
- Try to hug the dog
- Pet the dog or in any way touch it during and immediately following the seizure!

SEIZURES ARE SUDDEN & UNCONTROLLED BURST OF NEUROLOGICAL ACTIVITY OCCURRING IN THE BRAIN. IF THE CONVULSION IS GENERALIZED IT HAS HIT THE BRAIN. THEREFORE –
WHEN THE SEIZURE IS OVER, DO NOT GRAB YOUR DOG AND SQUEEZE IT TIGHT, TALK OR WHISPER NEAR ITS EAR OR PET IT ON THE HEAD! Imagine you are recovering from a major migraine: how would you like someone to grab you, talk into your ear and pet your head? Not much. That will not help your dog!
You MAY SPEAK SOFTLY TO REASSURE THE DOG

FACT
Pets and people HAVE NO IDEA of what is going on while they are having a seizure!
They don't recognize you during and sometimes immediately after the event. Its NOT personal. Its not their fault.
If you get bit, it's 100% your fault. The pet has no control, no idea and no recollection of what is happening. Do NOT punish it or get mad. It will serve no purpose! The best way to keep yourself, other pets, kids and onlookers safe is by staying away from seizing pets! Do what needs to be done to clear the area around them, protect their head from smashing the floor repeatedly by placing a pillow or blanket under their head AND WAIT!

MITIGATION
- Make sure you have the pet’s RX on hand at all times.
- Snap on/off collars are recommended for quick release.
- Don’t leave collar on too tight
- Get an easy chrono watch
- Keep household chemicals away from reach of pets

If your pet has had various seizures and is diagnosed with seizure disorder or epilepsy avoid the following and make sure you keep detailed records or each episode.

AVOID
- Stimulation by flashing television pictures, flashing lights, excessive and strange noises (such as sirens or kids' toys)
- Sudden arousal from a deep sleep
- Too much excitement

3 stages of seizures

STAGE 1: Aura: The animal often shows signs of apprehension, restlessness, nervousness, and salivation. No one knows for sure how long this period may last, as it could last from a few seconds to a few days.

STAGE 2: Ictus: Actual seizure. Animal usually collapses onto its side & experiences a series of violent muscle contractions associated with paddling of the feet and rigidity of the body. Loss of consciousness, excessive salivation, and involuntary urination and defecation may also occur in more severe seizures.

STAGE 3: Post-ictal: The animal may show signs of confusion, disorientation, restlessness, and temporary blindness. Usually lasts less than one hour but may last as long as one or two days.

Book Review: Don't Dump The Dog

2009-07-30T16:02:00.008-04:00

Don’t Dump The Dog
Outrageous Stories and Simple Solutions to Your Worst Dog Behavior Problems
By Randy Grim

Book Review by Ines de Pablo

July 30, 2009

Get your copy here

Hi all! Skyhorse Publishing contacted me to write a book review about a book called “Don’t Dump The Dog” a couple of weeks ago. The book arrived at my office on July 29 and by the end of the day I had read the whole thing! What a great book! It took me about 2 hours to finish it, mostly because I was laughing so much! Randy Grim did an outstanding job covering the most outrageous reasons why people dump their dogs. As outrageous has the reasons may be, Randy’s responses, solutions and reasoning is nothing short of priceless!

Wagn4u have been on Twitter since January of 2009. Sometime earlier this year I found a post via Twitter related to this issue. It’s a Shelter Rant by a shelter manager that first appeared on Craig’s List and was making the rounds. A copy can be found here. When I first read this rant I felt that someone finally has the courage to say it like it is. The reality is raw. So is the rant.
Randy Grim does cover all of the same issues. The stories he uses to back up his arguments are hilarious – in a serious kind of way. If you don’t get the message, you just don’t GET IT!

I have to admit that the one excuse that aggravates me THE MOST is the “We are moving and we can’t take our dog (or cat) because the new building doesn’t accept pets”. If something gets me MAD that would be the one. No Wag’N about it!

Pets have issues. People have issues. That’s part of the package. We are not born knowing the answers to all problems. We learn. That’s life. If you don’t have the solution to your pet’s behavioral issue, seek help…not abandonment! There is no “secret farm the shelter will send your relinquished pet to”! Shelter life is horrible!

One of my favorite lessons learned and fantastic ideas offered in this book is in Chapter 1: A.D.D. Dogs.
An owner contacts Randy wanting to relinquish his dog because of hyper-activity issue. The owner comes by the shelter on a day where Randy is alone at the shelter, clearly overwhelmed by work and asks the pet owner to answer the phone while he brings the “abandoned pet” to its new home – The cage. While there the owner takes many dramatic calls covering a few “real emergencies”. When the owner gets a break he drops the phone, runs back, frees his dog, gets another dog and runs out of the facility. The owner realized that the issue he deemed terrible was nothing compared to the realities shelters have to deal with. He later sent money to the shelter to thank them of the invaluable knowledge he acquired that day.
Putting things in perspective: of course letting a random person answer the answer the phone and snatch another dog isn’t perfect shelter management but abandoning a pet is completely irresponsible!

MY RECOMMENDATION: Shelters should make it mandatory for people who relinquish pets for NO good reason work at an animal shelter for at least 4 rotations. (Some of which are “having a baby”, “My dog is boring”, “my dog is no longer cute”, “my dog is old. I want a new one in exchange”, “we don’t want to put up a fence”, etc).
This recommendation, alone, is however insufficient and not all encompassing. The following addition needs to be made and is addressed to shelters, with who some of the responsibility also rely. New pet parents need to be given some tools by the shelter/breeder to help them in this adventure. We are not asking shelters to provide training. However I could conceive that a local dog trainer could teach some classes at their local shelter every so often. Who knows…maybe some of the proceeds could go to the shelter. Otherwise use referrals. Another great non expensive venue would be a blog for all those who adopt from that facility to post their questions, experiences, solutions, etc. Some monitoring would be required but all you need once its up is a flyer providing the information.
Randy recommends shelters provide tips on what to expect. Spay and neuter workshops are another option.

Chapter 12 is another one of my favorites as I am going to start teaching safety around dogs to kids this fall. Interpreting how the dog feels when you do something that you (kid) consider normal and sweet can save your child and your pet. No doubt about it. Humans have a tendency to project on others what they deem logical to them should be logical to the dog. You are dealing with a completely different RACE so please read this chapter carefully. Your best intentions can do harm. Teach your kids to think like a dog. Understand the dog as it is. Once you start viewing the world in the dogs eyes, things will make more sense. If you don’t believe me, get on your knees and walk around. Have an adult stand up straight in front of you and have him/her speak at different tones, approach you at different speeds, play a foreign movie super loud in a language you don’t understand and maybe toss you some food. If you feel very courageous try some kibble…ickyboo!

You need to read this book if
- This is your first pets adoption – regardless of where you get it from
- Your pet drives you up the wall and the thought of relinquishing it creeps in
- Your significant other asks you to give it up
- You know someone that is about to do something crazy
- A new human child comes into the picture and you have doubts about the pet
- Your kids and the pet have issues (then you might want to jump to chapter 12: Scaredy Cat)
- Your dog has dominance issues with you and on and off leash
- Your dogs barks at everything.
- You get a former stray dog that is super shy
- You wonder whether or not to spay or neuter
- Your dog has “bladder control issues” in the house
- You didn’t realize that more than 27,000 animals are destroyed every DAY in this country
- You think there is such a thing as a “secret farm” where the shelter will send your pet
- You feel like reading a fantastic book
All chapters are worth reading!

When we human make mistakes – including some pretty bad one like DUIs, assault, battery etc - we get a fine, a lecture, maybe some jail time. If a dog bites a human it pays with it life. Most incidents are our fault! We didn’t see it coming. We didn’t bother to train it as a puppy because it was so damn cute at the time. We can’t understand what warning they are giving us. They talk to us all the time! Open your mind and your heart to make our lives with them better and spare them from abandonment.
If that’s not enough, consider this. Don’t do to others what you don’t want done to you. Treat you fellow being like you would want to be treated! These furry guys have a heart beat, lungs, livers, kidneys, eyes, ears, stomach, brains and feelings. Pain and Death suck for all!

… SOME MORE THOUGHTS
If you had a human child, and you HAD to move, would you pick a building that doesn’t allow kids? And yes these types of facilities, hotels and BNB do exist! If you answer yes… let’s just say now would be a good time to get off this site and seek counseling! Common sense, morale, basic intelligence and reason would dictate that you wouldn’t just dump the kid! That makes sense right? It’s your kid. Whether it was planned for or not it’s a life that depends on you. It’s your flesh and blood! Not a vacuum cleaner! So why in the world wouldn’t you extend the same courtesy to a furry, four legged (or 2 legged if bird) creature from a different race than yours? THAT’S ACTUALLY RACIST (Human beings being a race and all)

Wag’N Enterprises was created to promote Responsible pet ownerships. When do you make the decision to adopt an animal you automatically become responsible for it for all of its life, through sickness and in health. Pets are fantastic. If you cannot make a 15 year commitment you probably should think about getting married and you should definitely not get a pet in the first place. Puppies are super cute. A well trained adult dog is fantastic and super cute. Pets are like children. The consequences of not raising and training your four legged friend will make themselves obvious. But like with the child, it will be your fault. Abandoning that responsibility is like blaming everyone else for your lack of commitment. Not Cool! Humans and dogs have been partners since before mortgages, economies, cell phones, apartments, condos, the internet, mirrors, pubs, artificial deadlines and all those things we consider our normal way of life. You DO have time to walk, exercise, play and train that animal.
Read this book. Be responsible. Keep your family, loved ones and neighbors safe. Keep your pets Wag’N!

EXTRA NOTE: Not 20 minutes have past since I post this review, randomly check twitter feeds and see this freaking article
I love firefighters. They save lives. That one though....is on my "You Know What" list!

All Hazards Preparedness Checklist

2009-06-25T22:40:00.007-04:00

All Hazards Preparedness Checklist Now Available For Cats and Dogs (click here)

For Small Animals (click here)

These lists will help you prepare for your animal(s) in the event of a disaster. The evacuation kit should be assembled in easy-to-carry, waterproof containers. Duffle bags and backpacks are generally easier to carry that heavy bucket!
It is important that you become familiar with the items in your kit and their various uses.

Once your kit is completed (at least your first version) RUN A DRILL.

Imagine scenarios, try carrying it + your own kit, make sure everything fits in the car and still allows for the safe transportation of people and pets. Talk to your neighbors. Figure out who can do what and when and who has access to what.

The drill will also allow you to find out if you need to include other items, or a larger or lesser quantity of certain things.

A NON REHEASED PLAN IS A BAD PLAN!

The pet first evacuation kit does not replace the need for your own evacuation kit!
If you haven’t already - TAKE A PET FIRST AID CLASS!

Do it preferably BEFORE an emergency strikes!

Rescue officials may not allow you to take your pets if you need to be rescued, do not wait until the last minute to evacuate – OBEY EVACUATION ORDERS!

Also make sure to be ready for SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS.
YOUR KIT SHOULD BE READY FOR BOTH OPTIONS.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!

GET YOUR PAPER COPY WHEN YOU
ORDER ANY WAG'N PET EVACUATION KIT,
ATTEND ANY WAG'N PET FIRST AID CLASS
AND/OR ANY WAG'N EVENTS

2009-05-04T14:26:00.000-04:00

Ines de Pablo, Pet Tech Instructor #1397

To view the full schedule of upcoming Wag'N Pet Tech Classes click here
Wag'N offers various classes workshops to groups and organizations.
To obtain rates please wag us an email at PetTech@wagn4u.com
To receive FREE pet emergency management and safety tips follow 'wagn4u' on Twitter

2009-05-04T14:25:00.000-04:00

WHY SHOULD I LEARN ABOUT PET FIRST AID?
By Ines de Pablo

Simple answers:
‐ Why Not?
‐ Because you can
‐ You are your Pets 911!
‐ You took on the responsibility of providing shelter and health care the day you adopted the pet
‐ You will have the confidence to know what to do and will have the skill to do it
if and when something happens to your pet.

When your pet has an emergency, being prepared is very important. Before an emergency strikes, be sure you know
‐ How your veterinarian handles emergencies
(does she/he have after hours number?)
‐ Where can you go if the primary veterinarian is not available
‐ How can I contact your veterinarian, on call veterinarian or veterinary hospital

Make sure to keep all those numbers readily available in your cell phone
‐ The number for the National Animal Poison Control Center – 1‐888‐426‐4435
(they charge $60 per call).
-Your Veterinarian's telephone number
- The local 24 hour (or after hour) emergency veterinary hospital

When you take a pet first aid class, you will learn valuable skills such as
- How to approach an injured pet,
- Muzzle, restraint and carry techniques,
- How to administer medication,
- Recognizing an emergency,
- What is Normal for your pet,
- How to detect dehydration,
- How to treat shock, chocking, bleeding, allergic reaction, electrocution,
poisoning emergencies, broken backs, and bones, bloat & torsion, blood sugar emergencies, breathing emergencies, burns, cuts & tears, eye
emergencies, fish hook, frostbite, gunshot, nail hypothermia, puncture & bite wound, seizures, smoke inhalation, ticks, vomiting and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Yes! A lot can go wrong with pets!
They are not that different from us!
Remember that they do have the same organs we do.

HOW PETS DIFFER FROM US
They communicate differently (mainly our fault for not understanding that foreign language), they also have a tendency to hide pain (survival instinct), strange taste and are very curious…and that can get them in trouble

The biggest problem is that we cannot explain to them why some things are bad. Our attempts at explanation is generally received as bla bla bla “pets name” bla la bla….

BEAR IN MIND
Also, most things pet get themselves into are not NATURAL things…brake fluid and rat poison are man made chemicals. Cars are human made machines that function in a manner foreign to most animals.
Their senses are not intrinsically trained to comprehend what we know to be dangerous.

Emergencies don’t happen when we expect them to and they have that bad tendency on happening at times when we are either too far away or after hours when our regular vet cannot answer the call.

FACT: Depending on what the pet gets itself into you may only have seconds
to respond (CPR, Breathing Emergencies, some poisons, etc) adequately to maintain life until you can reach a veterinarian.

Pet first aid is the equivalent of human first aid but remember…calling 9‐1‐1 is generally not an option. You are your pet’s first responder and ambulance.

The ability to remain calm when YOUR pet gets injured is extremely important. Pets feel and react to your heart rate and your “panic” rate. Care is best provided when the patient and rescuer remain calm…
FACT: Remaining calm when you don’t know what to do
can prove quite challenging.

Pet first aid classes give cat and dog owners the skills necessary to tend to unexpected emergencies and to monitor their animals' health. The classes allow pet owners to provide care until they can get their pet to a veterinarian. They are not meant to replace veterinarian care.

When looking for a pet first aid class in your area, look for classes that also provide pet dental health, senior petizen classes and pet disaster preparedness.

Quality of life is measured by the status of your
pet’s dental health. Brushing your pets teeth is not silly! It prevent gum disease and irreversible
Periodontal disease . We do not want you or your dog to have to go through that diagnosis. So don’t wait.
A comprehensive pet first aid class helps you uncover ways to prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies that impact pet health & safety.

A crisis can be averted if the emergency is well managed. That is your task as a pet parent. So be the pack leader. Be in charge. Know how to help your pets because it’s not a matter of IF they will get in trouble but rather WHEN they will get in trouble. Why risk it? Get Wag’N Today!

Wag'N Enterprises does provide such a comprehensive pet first aid class!
To sign up for Wag’N Pet First Aid Classes visit
www.WAGN4U.com

Ines de Pablo is the Wag'N Pet First Aid Instructor.
I'm a certified Pet Tech Instructor (ID#1397)
To learn more about Ines, click here.

Wag'N Classes are available for residents of the following counties:
VA Countries (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Northern Prince William),
Washington DC, MD Counties (Montgomery)

If you are not located in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area find a Pet Tech Instruction near you at www.PetTech.net

HAPPY HEALTHY PETS ARE WAG’N PETS!

2009. Wag’N Enterprises, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

2009-05-04T14:24:00.000-04:00

No Tails Left Unbuckled Campaign
Pet safety has many facets. There are ways to mitigate some pet emergencies related to vehicle travel.

So watch the following video... then click here to take an in depth look

at the main points we cover to help keep your pets safer.

2009-05-04T13:05:00.022-04:00

PET OXYGEN MASK CHARITY DOG WASH

Wag'N Enterprises and Bark'N Bubbles Dog Wash held their second PET OXYGEN MASK CHARITY DOG WASH. The proceeds of every dog washed on that date goes towards providing funds to fire departments across the country that cannot afford and/or are not budgeted to acquire pet oxygen masks for their engines. Wag'N provides these departments (called Fellows) with the kits they need.
This wash was organized to acquire 5 pet oxygen mask kits for the Susquehanna County Animal Rescue Team (CART) that needs 5 kits.

Funds raised go towards paying for the kits and cover the shipping cost.
For more info about the program click here

Due to bad weather our volunteers only got to wash 9 dogs. All of which were awesome!

We would like to thank OneBrick for sending us their great volunteers, all participants that braved the rain and Bark'N Bubbles of course for their tremendous support!
Here are some pictures & lessons of the event:

Wag'Ns Mayday ... "when I get outta here I'll get a cookie...oh yeah..."...

Wag'Ns "Gypsy" ... Sing'N the Gypsy song.....

"That's the Spot!"

... Scrub Scrub & Scrub some more...

This wash differed from most regular dog wash sessions in that every volunteer and staff participant was faced with a case owner neglect on a senior pet-izen...

Last dog of the day:
"Raggs" came in around 2:15PM. This sweet gentle 10 year old Golden Retriever made it up the stairs and upon first petting Wag'N volunteers discovered a huge tick..and then another...we stopped counting after 30! Poor Raggs had fleas and ticks every where! The ticks were of all sizes.

Raggs is by far the most cooperative patient!

The flea bath helped us get more ticks out and yet we found more during drying.

The owner was informed of the situation upon pick up.
Suggestions and stern recommendations were provided.
This is all the information I can post at this time.

Why is this a big deal?
Ticks carry Lyme Disease!
Not only can it infect the dog but also its owners.
30 ticks + fleas is one terrible cocktail for all parties involved.

It just so happens that May is Tick Awareness Month!
But lets not wait to find ticks to learn how to prevent spread!

For more information check out:
Tick Prevention & Control Tips
Dangers, Transmission, Symptoms & More

Tick Facts:
The longer a tick carrying Lyme disease bacteria is attached to a host the greater the host's chance of contracting Lyme disease

If you have ever had Lyme disease, you are not immune and may contract the disease again upon re-exposure.

Additional Tick Knowledge Base Resources:

Fairfax County Government

Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases in Virginia (PDF Brochure)

The National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association - Preventing Tick Bites
The National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association - Protecting Your Pets

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

COOP For The Pet Industry

2009-05-03T15:16:00.010-04:00

Continuity of Operations Considerations for Animal Shelters AND Animal Day Care Facilities

by Ines de Pablo

Based on FEMA Continuity of Operations Self Assessment Tool

Acronyms:
SVO and C = Staff, volunteers, officers and clients
COOP = Continuity Of Operations Plan

Whether you are a county animal shelter, a non profit animal shelter animals OR a private daycare/boarding facilities - animals are in your care. Their health and safety depends on you. In the case of the private facilities clients rely on your ability to keep pets safe.

No matter if you live or work in a flood, wildfire, tornado, hurricane, earthquake or in less hazardous areas you may still be at risk for smaller scale emergencies such as electrical, tank, forest fires, gas leaks, arson, criminal activity.

Some of these emergencies can be mitigated against for sure. But should the worst case scenario happen, what can you do NOW to ensure that your staff, volunteers, officers & animals remain safe? Do you have a viable evacuation plan? How do you know its viable? Have you tested and rehearsed that plan? How will your staff know what to do? How can you keep operating after the event?

Your SVO rely on your continuity of operations should there be an emergency in, at or near your facilities. How quickly your shelter or business can get back to business after a natural or man made disaster depends on emergency planning done today. Start planning now to improve the likelihood that the animals you care can survive and that you your staff, volunteers, officers and animals can recover.

The following form provided by Ready.Gov is a starting point
http://www.ready.gov/business/_downloads/sampleplan.pdf
However we strongly recommend that you also ask yourself and plan for the following:

What hazards have you identified? Consider & prepare for of accidental (fire, gas leak,etc), nature (tornado, flood, etc) & man made hazards (terrorist or criminal activity).

What is essential for continuity of operations?
What are our priorities? (define)
What tools and systems need to function in order for the facility to operate?
Who is essential personnel? How do we communicate with them? What are their tasks? What is the contingency plan should essential personnel become unable to perform their tasks and duties?
Who is in charge at our facility?

Can we operate from alternate facilities? What are these facilities?
How far are they from our facility? How do we communicate with them during/immediately following emergencies? What is their COOP?
How many animals, staff and equipment can they accommodate?
Who knows how to access that facility? What is your transportation plan for goods, personnel, animal and equipment? Who has a map? Where can they get maps?
Who is in charge at that facility? What are their policies?
What equipment do they have that we can use? How can we get more equipment?
What is our exit strategy? How do we redeploy animals, SVO&Cs, records and equipment to the primary operating facility and return to operations at primary facility?

How do we notify our SVO&C of our relocation? (essential & non essential)

How can we preserve our vital records? (business, financial, personnel, veterinary, etc) Should our primary databases and systems fail or get destroyed, what is our backup plan? Is this information safeguarded elsewhere? How can we access it? How can we share records with alternate facility? What can we share?

How, when and under what circumstances will we implement our COOP? (note that I include more than 1 plan) How is implementation and termination of COOP communicated?

How will we account for personnel prior to, during and after the event?
Who & how many people will be given access to the emergency staff contact information? How is this information safeguarded?
Should something happen and all primary records be destroyed how will we communicate with staff, volunteers, officers and clients?
How do we communicate? What do we communicate? And when? Who takes priority?

How long are SVOs expected to remain on duty? How do you rotate personnel?

How often do we run table top exercises? What is your review process?
An last but now not least how do you communicate with the media?
If you are not proactive and don't provide them with truthful information they will make it up! Every time!Do NOT Ever underestimate the power of speculation.

FEMA IS-547: Introduction to Continuity of Operations

US Fire Administration: Continuity of Operations

Ready.Gov Business: Plan to Stay in Business

Ready.Gov Business: Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Plan (PDF)

The following video shows a violent gas leak explosion that occurred on Thursday May 7 at the Penn Mar shopping center in Forestville just before 1:00 p.m. All businesses had been evacuated. The people on the video are firefighters responding to the scene.
This video is shot a firefighter engine camera.

Yes gas leaks happen all to often! They can happen in any community and at all times. If your facility includes pets or children please make sure to have a comprehensive evacuation plan that includes evacuation scenarios that only allow for minutes to get out.

NOSE BLEEDS IN DOGS

2009-05-02T10:35:00.004-04:00

There are many potential causes for nose bleeds in dogs. Bleeding from the nose (aka Epistaxis) is NOT normal for any dog at any time. Epistaxis can occur in one or both nostrils and can range from a few droplets or large discharges. Some cases start with sneezing and traces of blood in nasal discharges, while others have profuse bleeding as the first sign.

Causes of Nasal Bleeding

Direct Trauma To The Nostril
Either caused by “doggy disagreements” with other dogs, cats, and wild critters, thorn, etc. Note that this type of bleeding is generally noticed by pet parents as it may involve scratches, punctures on the outside of the nostril or directly surrounding the nostril and exhibit signs of “battle” trauma rather than nasal discharge per se.

Other direct traumas may involve car accidents (being hit by a vehicle) and falls in which case the nostril bleed becomes a mere reflection of internal injury. The signs are nasal discharge versus trauma wound.

Whenever your dog is hit by a car or suffers as a result of a fall, take dog to veterinarian immediately.

DO NOT DELAY TRANSPORT!

ACTIONS FOR SURVIVAL

1) You need to remain calm and composed. Dogs pick up on your emotions and will react accordingly.
2) Keep the pet calm. You do NOT want to excite the pet as it will increase its blood pressure and subsequently increase the bleeding.
3) Apply an Ice Pak –wrapped in cloth - to the bridge of the nose. NEVER APPLY ice pak directly onto nostril. Obviously, be sure your pet can breathe around the ice pack. Use a clean cloth or gauze. The cloth provides a barrier to allow for steady cooling and helps prevent early signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Apply steady pressure on the bleeding nostril using clean cloth or gauze. The cold will constrict small blood vessels which will slow the bleeding.
4) Take a look at the gums under the lips to see if there is blood in the mouth, or if the gums seem pale. If either is present it would suggest a serious loss of blood. This is an emergency! Transport to the veterinarian immediately.
5) Transport to the veterinarian immediately.

REMEMBER
A pet with a bloody nose will likely swallow a great deal of the draining blood. This may lead to an especially black stool or even vomit with blood clots in it. After a bloody nose, such findings are usually just a reflection of the bloody nose and do not necessarily indicate bleeding in the GI tract.

Foreign Body In Nasal Passage

Most commonly found are:
* Foxtails(aka: wild millet),
* Blades of grass,
* Burrs (can cause violent sneezing)

What Makes Foxtails Dangerous?
In addition to causing pain and localized infections, foxtail seeds can migrate and lodge in the spine, in the lungs and in other internal organs. They enter through the nose, ears, paws, eyes, urethra or just through the skin and travel through the body The seeds are very small, making locating them a painful, difficult and expensive procedure. Depending on where a foxtail seed has traveled to inside a dog, it can even be life threatening and will require prompt surgical removal.

What You Can Do To Keep Your Pet Safe
* Keep your pets away from foxtails. Avoid planting them or letting them grow on your property
* Examine your pet daily. Carefully brush its hair, while feeling for any raised areas on its skin. Check inside and under its ears; check between the toes, under the armpits and in the groin area. Keep long haired and thick coated breeds especially well-groomed.
* If you see a foxtail seed sticking in the dog’s skin, carefully pull it straight out, making sure not to break it off in the process.
* If you think a seed might already embedded in the skin, in a paw, in an eye or an ear, or if a dog who has been eating grass seems to have a throat problem, get the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible! Waiting can only make it harder to find, allow it to migrate and become more dangerous, and make treatment more difficult.

REMEMBER
In normal animals, tears are constantly produced and drain out through small ducts in the eyelids. The ducts empty into the nose. If a foxtail seed makes it way into the eyelid is may cause to either block the tear duct and/or enter the tear duct and effects can be reflected in the nostril.

Indicators That Your Pet Has a Foxtail
A foxtail seed can cause an inflamed, painful, infected lump anywhere on an animal’s body. A dog with a foxtail seed in its ear might rub its head on the ground or shake its head violently from side to side. If a dog gets a foxtail seed in its eye, it might squint. The eye will water and the dog will paw at it. Even if you can clearly see the seed beneath the eyelid, do not attempt to remove it. Get the dog to a veterinarian immediately.
An inhaled foxtail seed which has lodged in the nasal cavity may cause violent sneezing, sometimes with a bloody discharge from the nostrils. To remove it, a veterinarian may need to sedate the animal, locate the seed with a scope, and remove it with a forceps.

Nasal Mites
Nasal mites may cause bothersome sneezing spells, irritation to the nose and nosebleeds. Dogs on monthly Heartworm prevention medicine generally do NOT get these mites.
Nasal mites are a common but rarely diagnosed mite that infects the nasal passages of dogs and wild canines. The scientific name for nasal mites is Pneumonyssoides caninum. To learn more click here

Rodenticide Poisoning
Rodenticide poisoning is the accidental ingestion of products used to kill "rodents" such as mice, rats and gophers. These products are common and accidental exposure is frequent. Poisoning is most commonly caused by ingestion of a product containing one of the following ingredients:
* Bromethalin
* Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
* Strychnine
* Zinc phosphide
* Anticoagulant (Warfarin, fumarin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone, difethialone, pindone, bromadiolone, brodaficoum)

Many anti-rodent poisons contain Warfarin which reduces the pets ability to clot properly (much like hemophilia) which may lead to death. If you suspect your pet has ingested rat poison contact your veterianrian immediately

REMEMBER
Although Activated charcoal is recommended if poisoning is recent remember that you need to determine ahead of time how much activated charcoal you will need per dog pound, how to administer and that it may take up to 30 minutes to work! Therefore your best.

Platelet Disorders
Platelets are small protein-containing cellular fragments that circulate in the blood. They play an important role in clotting by clumping together and forming a plug. Clotting factors then take over, working together to hold the plug in place.

Willebrand's Disease And Hemophilia
Von Willebrand's Disease is a common inherited bleeding disorder.

Clot formation is the result of a long chain of chemical reactions carried out by individual molecules called 'clotting factors.' In Von Willebrand's Disease, the dog is missing a substance, which helps the platelets form clots and stabilizes Factor VIII in the clotting process. This substance is called 'Von Willebrand's factor.' Because of the deficient clotting of blood, dogs with Von Willebrand's disease have excessive bleeding upon injury. This would be similar to hemophilia in humans. Click here for more info.

Aspirin Routine
Dogs given routinely Aspirin may bleed more than usual. Aspirin tends to thin the blood and reduce clotting capabilities.CONTACT VETERINARIAN & DISCUSS SIGNS.

Bacterial, Fungal Organisms and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Allergies may cause some capillaries to rupture resulting in a short term nose bleed. Typically, a few drops of blood are expelled upon sneezing. Key words: RARE + FEW DROPS

Nasal Polyps
Are growths that create an enlargement of the gland that produces mucus. These types of growths are not cancerous but the will affect the dogs breathing.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps include:
- Bleeding and discharge from the nose.
- Airflow will be obstructed causing noisy breathing.
Your vet may need to do an endoscopy or an X-ray to determine if it is a polyp or a tumor. Surgical removal of the growth will be needed.

Nasal And Paranasal Sinus Tumors
The most common clinical signs are decreased airflow through the affected nasal passage, epistaxis and sneezing. Other signs include reverse sneezing, stertorous breathing, serous, mucoid or mucopurulent nasal discharge, dyspnea, lethargy, weight loss, and facial deformity or swelling. To learn more click here

Adenosqamous Carcinoma
If your pet has depigmentation of the nose and nasal discharge, fungal infection is likely to be the cause versus cancer.

Sudden severe onsets of nostril bleeding can be a sign of already advanced adenosquamous carcinoma.

CHECK WITH YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY! Make sure you ask them to run blood work such as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis and clotting profile. To learn more click here

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by the organism Rickettsia rickettsii. Ticks infected with Rickettsia rickettsii transmit the disease when they feed on a host (dog, human, other large mammal). A tick must be attached to the host for 5 to 20 hours before it can transmit the disease.

What To Watch For
* Fever, usually over 104 degrees Fahrenheit
* Depression
* Decreased appetite
* Lymphadenopathy, or generalized enlargement of lymph nodes
* Petecchiae, or pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin
* Uveitis, which is inflammation of the interior of the eye
* Swollen or painful joints
* Nose bleeds

Ehrlichia
Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease of dogs and wild canids (e.g.; wolves) and is found worldwide. Canine ehrlichiosis is also known by other names such as 'tracker dog disease,' 'tropical canine pancytopenia,' 'canine hemorrhagic fever,' and 'canine typhus.
Erlichiosis a disease transmitted by ticks which causes a reduced platelet count subsequently making the dog prone to nose bleeding episode and other abnormal bleeding. To learn more click here

Dental Abscesses
May cause complications in dogs often resulting in nose bleeds as the abscess may drain into the nasal area. Another reason to brush your pets’ teeth frequently to avoid internal organ damage and subsequent infections!

Liver Disease
If the coagulating problem is caused by a condition like liver disease, the underlying cause will be treated.

SUMMARY
There are many causes for canine nose bleeds. Very few of them can be considered minor. Bloody nasal discharge is not OK! SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY!

Do NOT WAIT! If your veterinarian does not seem to find the cause and provide appropriate treatment, seek out an expert or at least a second opinion. Ask for an explanation as to how the veterinarian got his/her prognosis!

Here again are the Actions for Survival prior to and during transport.

ACTIONS FOR SURVIVAL

How a Water Bowl Can Start a Fire

2009-05-01T13:46:00.001-04:00

Could water in a dog's bowl and sunshine start a fire?

The following post is an FYI to an article we found out about via Twitter. Original Article posted on May 27, 2009 on the ScientificAmerican.com website.

"You remember the time as a kid when you set an ant on fire. You positioned your dad’s magnifying glass a few inches above the ground, adjusting the angle ever so slightly until the spotlight of reflected rays rested precisely on your target. Then you waited.

It was innocent fun—except for some of us more sensitive folk—a sort of right-of-passage, backyard science experiment. But would you recall that lesson twenty years later while placing Fido’s clear glass water bowl on your deck?

Investigators of a house fire in Bellevue, Wash., last week are suggesting an elevated 11-inch wide glass bowl of water magnified the sun’s rays onto a wood deck, sparking a blaze that caused more than $200,000 worth of damage. Fortunately, nobody—including the two dogs—was injured.

To see if this dog bowl theory held water, Lt. Eric Keenan, the Bellevue Fire Department 's community liaison officer, reconstructed the scene. He placed a partially-filled bowl on a wire stand nearly 14 inches above the sun deck at Bellevue City Hall. The atypical northwest spring conditions closely matched those on the day of the fire: a perfect “70 degrees and sunny, with light winds,” reported The Seattle Times. Sure enough, within about 15 seconds the small piece of cedar Keenan had set below the stand began to smoke under the sun’s concentrated rays.

Thomas G. Brown, a professor of optics at the University of Rochester, agrees that the scenario is plausible, at least under very specific conditions. The bowl must be transparent—preferably glass—with an overall convex shape, according to Brown. A wider bowl would need to be set further from the flammable material to concentrate the sun’s rays. (The resulting energy, however, would be far greater than that created through a small bowl – or maybe even your dad’s magnifying glass.) The skies must also be clear, dry and the sun shining from more-or-less directly overhead.

“Of course, the Seattle area is a little like Rochester—it is a rare and wonderful day indeed when we get that kind of direct sunlight out of clear skies,” Brown tells ScientificAmerican.com. “But if it is going to happen, late spring is the time.”

So knowing that this type of incident CAN occur please help yourself defeat Murphy's Law (Whatever Can Happen Will Happen) by not providing your pets with glass water bowls this summer. Or any season for that matter!

This makes sense in so many ways...pets have no business drinking out of bowls that are made out of such fragile and breakable material in the first place. Pets can break the glass. If food is dispensed out of glass bowl that breaks your pet may also ingest some of the glass so for pets sake please use plastic or pet friendly metal!