All articles tagged with #pet safety
A dog in Alberta died after exposure to highly pathogenic avian influenza, marking the second confirmed case in Canada, likely contracted from a snow goose, highlighting risks of wildlife transmission and the importance of pet safety during migration seasons.
Mushrooms often appear in lawns during wet weather and can be harmless or toxic. To manage them, remove mushrooms promptly with gloves and keep the lawn dry and well-maintained to prevent future growth. While beneficial for soil health, caution is advised if pets or children are around, and expert identification is recommended for safety.
A dog in Bozeman died after contracting Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Strep Zoo), a highly contagious and potentially deadly respiratory disease in dogs, prompting warnings from veterinarians about recognizing severe symptoms and maintaining caution in public spaces. The illness can cause rapid pneumonia and blood in nasal discharge, especially in vulnerable dogs like puppies or those with underlying health conditions.
The FDA has issued voluntary recalls for several pet food brands, including Foodynamics and Raw Bistro, due to potential salmonella contamination, urging consumers to dispose of affected products and monitor pets for symptoms.
The USDA is distributing rabies vaccine bait packets in Alabama, and while some pets, like a puppy in Vestavia Hills, have ingested them, the packets are generally not harmful to dogs or cats if consumed, though they may cause gastrointestinal issues. Pet owners are advised to supervise their animals and report any concerns, but the vaccine is safe and does not cause rabies or protect unvaccinated pets.
Experts warn that feeding pets raw diets can pose serious health risks to both animals and humans, including infections from bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can spread within households and cause severe illness or death, especially in vulnerable populations.
Fi has launched the Fi Mini, a tiny GPS tracker for pets weighing just 16 grams, featuring real-time tracking, escape alerts, activity and sleep monitoring, and AI behavior detection, compatible with cats and small dogs, with a subscription plan and upcoming Apple Watch integration.
Two brands of dog treats, "Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips" and "Gaines Family Farmstead Chicken Chips," are being recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall affects products sold in 19 states, and no illnesses have been reported. Consumers are advised to stop using the treats and return them for a refund. For more information, contact the respective companies via email or phone.
Kaley Cuoco explained her decision to rehome her dog Shirley due to aggressive behavior towards her fiancé Tom Pelphrey's dog, Blue. Despite the difficult choice, Cuoco ensured Shirley lived comfortably with pet handlers Tony and Angie on a farm. Shirley recently passed away at 14 from bone cancer. Cuoco emphasized the decision was for Shirley's safety and well-being.
Veterinarian Tiffany Ruiz-Dasilva advises against feeding dogs raw eggs, raw meat, and bully sticks due to health risks like bacterial contamination and potential nutritional deficiencies. She recommends commercially prepared diets formulated by experts to ensure safety and balance, especially in households with children or vulnerable individuals. Her advice has sparked debate among pet owners.
State health officials in Illinois have issued an urgent rabies warning after rabid bats were found in two homes. Pet owners are advised to ensure their animals' rabies vaccinations are up-to-date and to watch for unusual behavior in common rabies carriers like bats, raccoons, and skunks. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has provided guidelines on preventing bats from entering homes, including sealing openings and using one-way valves. Immediate medical attention is recommended for anyone bitten by an animal, and captured bats should be tested for rabies to determine necessary treatment.
Experts advise that pets don't need special eye protection for the solar eclipse, as they typically don't look directly at the sun. However, it's best to keep pets indoors during the eclipse to prevent potential stress from the change in weather and darkness. If you choose to take your pet outside, keep them on a leash and maintain a calm demeanor. Signs of eye damage in pets include squinting, discharge from the eyes, and changes in eye appearance, and if observed, it's important to contact a veterinarian.
With the solar eclipse approaching, it's important to take precautions to protect your family and pets. Experts advise keeping pets indoors, as they may become disoriented by the sudden darkness, and ensuring that children and adults wear protective eyewear to prevent eye damage. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid using cameras or binoculars without proper filters and to be mindful of traffic and potential crowds while viewing the eclipse.
Veterinarians are sharing pet safety tips for the 2024 solar eclipse, as pet owners may wonder about the impact on animal behaviors. While there isn't much scientific research on this topic due to the infrequency of eclipses, experts believe that most animals will be overall unaffected. However, pets may exhibit brief periods of confusion, fear, and anxiety during the eclipse. It's recommended to keep pets indoors in a comfortable environment to minimize stress, and owners should avoid forcing pets to look at the sun. Additionally, pet owners attending eclipse events should be mindful of their pet's boundaries and consider leaving them at home or with a trusted pet sitter.
Meteorologists are refining forecasts for the total solar eclipse happening on Monday, with the best viewing expected in northern New England and from southern Missouri to central Indiana. Clouds may impede viewing in Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and western New York, with rain showers possible in those areas. The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, varying by location. The path of totality is the area where the moon completely covers the sun, and pet safety during the eclipse is not a major concern. The upcoming eclipse has boosted travel demand, with Airbnb listings along the path of totality seeing occupancy levels skyrocket.