How To Find Lost Cats.

Missing cats:

Put a box outside with a blanket or sweatshirt that you have worn. Cats have a very strong sense of smell and it will help them find their way home. Look for the cat at dusk and dawn (any time at night when it’s quiet) using a flashlight. Look under bushes, decks in sheds or garages – especially when it’s cold. The light reflects off the cats eyes and you will be able to see them a few blocks away. Shake their bag of treats. (This usually makes them come running home.)

Post flyers around the neighborhood. Not everyone has facebook. Also post them at pet stores and other places that have bulletin boards like WAWA. Give flyers to the mailmen and bus drivers in the area and ask your neighbors to check their sheds and garages. Call the vets, shelters and police in the area.

Getting your cat microchipped will help in the future if they should escape again.

FINDING INDOOR ONLY CATS WHO ARE LOST

Indoor only cats rarely travel far – they seek an immediate hiding place (under a deck or porch, under brush, in a garage or shed) and hunker down out of fear. Immediately start searching around your house as well as your neighbor’s houses with a flashlight (get on your hands and knees and shine the light under decks etc) – shake a treat bag and call it’s name and listen for a possible soft meow. (they are too scared to come out) ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS TO OPEN GARAGES AND SHEDS TO SEE IF THE CAT GOT LOCKED INSIDE.

They can stay in this spot for weeks! Indoor only cats RARELY come out during the day – they only come out after dark and into the wee hours of the morning. Be sure to check the surrounding trees as cats are often chased up trees and will sit up there for days and days….

Cats have an amazing sense of smell – put their bedding, your dirty clothes/shoes, and a tiny bit of strong smelling wet cat food outside to attract your cat.

Set a Humane trap (like a Hav-A-Heart wire trap) bait it with smelly cat food….this is sometimes the ONLY way to catch a scared indoor only cat AND IT WORKS!

Hang LOST posters immediately and give one to every neighbor as too many people just assume when they see a cat that it is a stray – if they know you are looking for your cat they will be extra vigilant and want to help. Ask them to take a photo of any cats they see in your area –sometimes people think it is your cat but it is not.

Immediately contact your Animal Control Officer and provide photos/description. Also contact local shelters, rescue groups and Vet offices. Post on Facebook on both local, county, & state pages (i.e. “Lost & Found Pets NY, NJ, PA, etc.)

Whatever you do, don’t give up and stay calm.

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Lost Dog in Harleysville, PA

Lost

NAME: Sam

STATUS: Lost

SEX Female

Species: Dog

MESSAGE FROM OWNER: ”Please let us know if you see Sam. She ran off into the woods near our home on Groff Mills Rd. Sam is friendly and will come if you have a stick for fetch or food. Please call if you see her: 610-945-4971. Thank you!”

DESCRIPTION: Medium sized brown dog with big ears. She is friendly!

AREA LAST SEEN: Harleysville, PA 19438

NEIGHBORHOOD LAST SEEN: Salford Mills

Last seen on: 07/03/2020

Spay And Neuter

There is a much-heated controversial debate of spaying and neutering companions as early as 6-8 weeks of age. In medical terms, this is referred to as “paediatric neutering/spaying”. Veterinarians from around the globe each have their beliefs of when to spay and or neuter a companion. Many disagree, however, with research revealing that there are many benefits of “paediatric” spay/neuters. Companion parents are requesting an early spay and neuter surgical assessment.

According to Dr. Miller, DVM and Vice President of Shelter Medicine care and peers, the benefits of early spay/neuter are the following:

• Veterinarians who are familiar with the surgery and anesthesia agree that pediatric surgery is much less physiologically stressful for younger patients.
• Animals should be fasted for only 2-4 hours in order to prevent them from developing hypoglycemia, and this can be an advantage for clients who may forget to withhold food for several hours prior to surgery. (Many surgeons still recommend an overnight fast for adult dogs, although this practice is also falling out of favor.)
• Animals are awake and ambulatory usually within an hour of completion of the surgery, so they can be fed a small meal and then sent home the same day, avoiding an overnight stay in the hospital.
• Experienced veterinarians report that the surgery is faster, easier, and less stressful on both the patient and surgeon.
• There are fewer preoperative complications associated with pediatric neutering.
• Spaying a female before her first estrus has a strong protective effect against development of mammary gland neoplasia later in life.
• Pediatric surgery is less expensive because of the use of fewer materials, and because less staff time is needed for surgery and pre- and post-operative prep and monitoring.
• If the procedure is performed or scheduled when the last vaccination is given at 3 to 4 months of age, the veterinarian does not have to worry about the client forgetting to return, or shopping around and going elsewhere for the surgery. It can be included as part of a kitten/puppy care package of vaccinations, deworming and neutering. The unintentional delay in neutering pets is often responsible for the production of accidental litters that end up at shelters.
• Embracing the concept of “one health” that promotes the link between animal and human health and welfare requires veterinary participation in solving community problems. Studies have shown that intact animals are much more likely to be relinquished to shelters than neutered ones. Pediatric neutering is an essential component of a comprehensive community strategy to end the euthanasia of unwanted companion animals in the United States.
• The best strategy includes education about responsible pet ownership, increased efforts to improve adoptions, counseling to keep animals with behavior problems in their homes, and the prevention of births of unwanted animals. Surgical sterilization is one part of the solution that only veterinarians can provide.

Source One: https://www.aspcapro.org/webinar/20180227/feline-fix-five

Source Two: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/overview-pediatric-spay-and-neuter-benefits-and-techniques

Dogs and Cats according to many companion guardians, veterinarians, and animal bios who’ve had this experience can and have gone into heat as early as four months of age. However, this depends on the environment, breed/pedigree.
Environmental wise: if your dog should be going into heat this early, this could be because of how many “dogs” you may have. (A pack mentality) Same can apply to cats – if you have a cattery forming in your household it’s wise to get the male cats fixed first. Due to the fact that they are the ones that “spray” and are majorly more aggressive during a females heating cycle.

Whichever the case may be – it’s always wise to get your companions fixed in the first place, to prevent any unwanted litters. As for breeders – although a necessary evil, we DO NOT need any more at this time. For the fact that there are companions in the shelters at this very moment waiting for homes.

We, however, as advocates cannot place all blame on the breeders – seeing as it is the majority of people who do not want a shelter dog or cat because they believe those companions are, “diseased” or broken. Shelter animals are neither diseased or broken, they are victims of irresponsibility or victims of hardships. Shelter animals come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Usually, more often than naught they are still babies dropped off as an unwanted litter or an elderly companion still having life in them, yet, was traded in for a “newer model”. Harsh yet true.

As we know, spaying and neutering can and does save many lives. We just have to be more boisterous as well as active in educating the populace regarding spays and neuters.

Romanian Pound Won’t Feed Dogs for 12 Days of Christmas.

WAV Link:

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/12/17/romanian-pound-wont-feed-dogs-for-12-days-of-christmas-we-ask-for-your-help-to-resolve/

A message from Harmony Fund;

Romanian Pound Won’t Feed Dogs for 12 Days of Christmas

We’ve learned that more than 400 dogs at the Mioveni pound in Romania will be on their own for 12 days beginning on Christmas Eve. No workers are expected to come in over the holidays, leaving the dogs without food and water. Especially during the cold weather when these dogs have only minimal shelter from the cold, mealtime is the most important time of day. We can’t let them go hungry.

Typically, these dogs receive leftover food from the local prison and from a car factory. It is a mix of food scraps that also includes toothpicks, orange and banana peels, napkins and other garbage. We’re in negotiations now to try to change that diet and to make sweeping improvements to the dog pound over the next few years, but the first step is to make sure the dogs don’t go hungry this month.

It will cost $130 each day to provide 23 sacks of kibble for the dogs, plus a bit of extra money to compel workers to come in to work those days. We will need repeat this all the days the workers are scheduled to be on vacation from Christmas Eve straight through to January 4. If your contributions exceed the cost of 12 days of dog food, we will be able to help with more good quality food in January and February and this will also help us feed many other dogs and cats in Romania who are also at risk of going hungry.

Link to help feed the Romanian dogs this Christmas:

https://harmonyfund.org/donation/feed-dogs-romania-christmas

To donate by mail, send to: To Donate by Mail

Cheques may be addressed to Harmony Fund.
800 Main Street, Suite 217, Holden, MA 01520, USA

The Dangers Of Rawhide Chews

Rawhide chews are not a good chewing supplement for any companion animal. On top of the bleach and glue chemicals in these products. You have the problem of it splintering off. This can become lodged in their throat, and or can cause damage to their mouth.

Rawhide has always been on the No-no list of veterinarians. If you want to give them a chew toy, the companies Kong and Nylabon make safe chews for companions.

The Best Dog Dental Chews and toys we have found are the following:

• Our Top Pick: Nylabone Dura Chew XL Textured Dog Chew.

• Our Runner Up Pick: Natural Balance Dental Chews.

• Best Budget Pick: Arm & Hammer Gator Dog Dental Toy.

• Best Puppy Dental Chew: Nylabone Puppy T-Rex Chew Toy.

• Best Budget Pick: Outward Hound Bionic Ball.

• Best Puppy Teething Toy: Pet Stages Cool Teething Stick.

• Best Plush Dog Chew Toy: ZippyPaws Warriorz Plush Dog Toy.

We hope this has been helpful for your future chew and toy shopping.

Halloween and Companions

With Halloween right around the corner, veterinarians and shelters become rather busy. A majority of people do not realize just how spooky and or dangerous it can be for companion animals. Gwen and I have been swamped this whole month because of celebrations going awry. Many people have brought in companion animals suffering from Chocolate toxicity, and other injuries.

Please be aware that companion animals CANNOT have CHOCOLATE. If you want to give your companions a treat for the holidays, look into getting Carob pet treats. It’s non-toxic and 100% natural. Chocolate is a 100% dangerous even for cats, it causes seizures, anemia as well as death.

If it’s not hazardous foods, its being spooked by costumes and loud noises. Remember even companions get skittish around strange events. In order to prevent your companion from running off, or becoming overwhelmed, we suggest making a room just for them. Placing their food and water bowl, along with their favorite toys and comfort to keep them calm. If the music and party is too much for them, put a white noise machine on.

If your companion happens to get a hold of anything hazardous. PLEASE SEEK EMERGENCY CARE IMMEDIATELY.

Outlaw Cat Declawing: Petition

Petition By M. Robbins and Guardian Of Animals

Governor Wolf, House Legislature, Senate, State Representatives

Declawing of cats has been a part of managing the scratching behavior of objects in cats. However, this barbaric tradition to protect ”items” and other material possession has caused more harm than good. Declawing cats has left them physically and mentally scarred for life.

We sit here on the precipice of destroying our beloved companions just to protect a few pieces of furniture or walls. All of which can easily be replaced, repaired and or protected by other humane ways.

Declawing of cats should never be an option. Scratching objects and or trees is a natural instinct for cats. The Medical drawbacks to declawing include pain in the paw, infection, tissue necrosis (tissue death), lameness, and back pain. Removing claws changes the way a cat’s foot meets the ground and can cause pain similar to wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes.

Those who declaw are basically torturing cats for a lifetime. Some cats, even big cats in zoos go through life never placing full weight on paws, some even developed a mental disorder. Leading them to constantly lick and or shake their paw uncontrollably.

Not to mention if cats should escape outside how would they ever defend themselves against other cats or wildlife? They wouldn’t and due to that inability to defend or climb a tree, they would most likely die.

Why declaw when There are many alternatives to declawing that doesn’t leave a hazardous effect. Such as having professional clip nails as they do for dogs. Nail caps that can be adjusted to their size. And then there is double-sided tape to protect walls and door frames. Bumpers to protect furniture and non-toxic apple bitter to deter them from scratching up surfaces.

There’s also an environmentally friendly cat tree. Made of hemp, cardboard, dead tree bark and sea rope. All of which is biodegradable and reusable.

Declawing should be nonexistent, it should be considered animal cruelty and punishable if done/practiced by any person.

We the undersigned request for the prohibiting of declawing cats.

Petition: Outlaw Cat Declawing

Don’t Dump Animals On The Street

There are advocates out there driven by emotions instead of logic. These advocates are a danger for animal kind. A friend of ours encountered such a person on a public forum. While defending responsible owners for surrendering their beloved companions to a shelter, because they fell on hard times. Losing a job and forced to move out of state, to a place that has restrictions, is all too familiar to our friend.

The moment that our friend defended the owner was the very moment an irrational advocate lunged at her verbally.

Stating: ” I would rather go hungry and die before placing my fur kids in the shelter. I would even rather see them running free on the streets” among other hateful words.

Okay, let’s make some things very clear here about dumping your animals on the streets.

First Your animals are domesticated, they have no clue how to survive without human intervention.

Second, not everyone is kind to strays or homeless beings. Rocks are thrown, people put poison in food or water. Dog fighters pick up strays to use as baiting. Some people even shoot to kill.

Third, if cruel people don’t get a hold of the now new stray that you just casually dumped. The elements will, by which we mean your dumped companion can die from exposure. Heat, cold, other animals and or cars. Not to mention the slow painful way to die by way of starvation.

Fourth, on top of all that if your companion isn’t spayed or neutered, what do you think happens? The stray population grows, and the majority of the time it causes a FERAL colony. Which is not only dangerous for the general public yet also dangerous for the animals.

Yes, most shelters kill to make room. Others use a fostering program to make room. And about a third are a pet store affiliated facility that makes room for new animals by giving animals to pet stores, such as PetSmart and Petco.

People have options when it comes to surrendering their animals for any legitimate reasoning.

Dumping them on the street IS NOT and SHOULD NOT be one of those options.

Those who advocate for dumping on the street are those who have no true compassion for animal life. Streetlife is full of suffrage and it’s no place for any living beings.

So please, use the shelters, or find a home for your companions. Just don’t dump them on the streets.

Dangerous Foods To Avoid

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol. If you suspect that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Avocado

Avocado is primarily a problem for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and ruminants including sheep and goats. The biggest concern is for cardiovascular damage and death in birds.  Horses, donkeys and ruminants frequently get swollen, edematous head and neck.

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Citrus

The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.

Coconut and Coconut Oil

When ingested in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are not likely to cause serious harm to your pet. The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts do contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea. Because of this, we encourage you to use caution when offering your pets these foods. Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet.

Grapes and Raisins

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Milk and Dairy

Because dogs do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Nuts

Nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.

Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Salt and Salty Snack Foods

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. As such, we encourage you to avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets. 

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach to bloat, and potentially twist, becoming a life threatening emergency. The yeast produces ethanol as a by-product and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become drunk.

Sources: American Veterinarians Association, HSUS, ASPCA, WebMD- pets.

Leash Laws: Are For Everyones Safety

The care of companion animals starts with obeying laws put in place. Not only do these laws protect other people yet they also protect your companions. They protect them from running off, protect them from attacking or being attacked.

When laws of this magnitude are broken it can wind up deadly for all companions. For instance, some states are a one bite law. If found guilty that companion is euthanized. No matter who instigated the situation.

On top of the companion being euthanized, some municipalities/government consider taking it a step further by writing up a ban on whichever animals they see as likely to be vicious.

This is why it is important to follow and understand laws as well as understanding the consequences behind the neglect to follow laws. It only takes one person to make it problematic for everyone else.

As it is many are dealing with restrictions and or bans on Pit Bull type dogs, because a select few of people were irresponsible. Those few didn’t train, didn’t follow rules and or didn’t socialize their companion. Others have used them for entertainment and greed in underground dog fights.

This caused a mass massacre in CO. Which people are still seeking justice and an emendation to the current laws. In order to make changes for any animal to have a chance at life, there needs to be a compromise between community and government.

To us, Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a bad idea. It punishes everyone and not just those who are at fault. This is where the law needs to change. It should only restrict those responsible for any damage that may have been done from owning any animal.

More to the point those people should also pay for damages since they were responsible for the well being of the community and animals.

As we said leash laws are very important to follow to keep everyone safe from drastic consequences.

Some leash laws that we know of include muzzles, a short leash of 5ft and a tag of colors, alerting others whether they are easily startled, aggressive and or in training.

In order to check your laws, talk with police or check your local government website.

In our next post, we will be going over dangerous foods since that is the next problematic area.