Important Information for Animal Lovers

Pulling Up the Welcome Mat on "Bully" Breeds

If you're planning a move to Denver, be sure to bring your skis - but not your Pit Bull Terrier. This breed is no longer allowed within the Mile High City's limits. You can bring your Rottweiler with you, however don't be surprised if you are denied a homeowner's insurance policy or if you have to pay a hefty premium because of your dog.

Indeed many communities across the nation are yielding to public pressure by passing laws that prohibit ownership of certain so-called "bully" breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Akitas and the like. These bans ignore the fact that a Cocker Spaniel is statistically much more likely to bite than either a Rottweiler or Pit Bull. Yet an attack by a large, powerful dog is certainly going to cause much greater harm than a bite from a Bichon Frise - and create a much more sensation story in the press. Thankfully, though there have been many more communities that have passed laws prohibiting the discrimination of a particular breed of dog in lawmaking and in providing homeowner's insurace policies. These communities are to be congratulated for acknowledging that responsible guardianship is the key to preventing dog attacks. As the saying goes, "it's the deed, not the breed." What's more, the deed isn't always that of the dog. It's the deeds of the guardians that make the most difference.

Good neighbors ensure that their dogs are properly fed and sheltered, well trained, secure within their homes and yards, and adequately socialized so as to interact appropriately with people and other dogs. In addition, spaying and neutering dogs help reduce aggression, as well as the overpopulation of unwanted dogs in shelters.

Human Foods can be Deadly for Pets

As many pet owners enjoy offering their animal companions a tidbit or two of "people food", it is important to be aware of some of the foods that can be potentially harmful:

Alcoholic Beverages: These can cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, drunkenness (ataxia), central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), or panting, respiratory failure, acidosis, coma and death.

Avocado - Birds in particular are very susceptible to poisoning; respiratory distress, fluid accumulation around the heart and death can result from ingestions.

Candy and Gum - candy, gum and other products containing large amounts of the sweetener xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar (particularly in dogs), resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

Chocolate (all forms) - Chocolate can cause GI irritation, hyperactivity, panting, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death, depending on the dose ingested.

Coffee (all forms) - Coffee and tea (including tea leaves) can produce the same effects as chocolate, depending on the dose.

Fatty foods - Foods high in fat can cause GI upset and abdominal discomfort. Can also result in a fatal inflammatory condition of the pancreas (pancreatits), particularly in dogs.

Macadamia nuts - Macadamias can produce weakness (particularly in the hind legs), depression, vomiting, ataxia and tremors. Thus far, dogs have been the only species reported to ASPCA that are affected by ingestion of this nut.

Moldy or spoiled foods - May contain certain molds that release toxins that can produce GI irritation, severe tremors, seizures and death. Spoiled food can also contain bacterial toxins that can produce severe food poisoning signs.

Onions, Onion Powder & Garlic - Onions, garlic, chives and the like can produce GI upset and can cause significant damage to red blood cells.

Potato - As they are in the same family as tomatoes, the green plant parts of the potato can produce similar effects as seen with the tomato.

Raisins and grapes - Ingestions have been been associated with acute kidney failure in some dogs. Affected dogs initially develop vomiting and drinking a lot of water, and then develop diarrhea, kidney failure and death.

Salt (including foods high in salt) - Salt and foods containing large quantities of salt can produce a sodium ion poisoning, causing regurgitation, depression, tremors, excessive thirst, diarrhea, elevated body temperature, seizures, and death if enough is consumed.

Tomato - While the red, ripe fruit is not considered to be toxic, the leaves, stem and green unripe fruit can cause severe GI upset, poor appetite, hyper salivation, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, dilated pupils, weakness and slow heart rate.

Yeast Dough - Yeast-based dough can not only expand in the GI tract as it rises, causing an obstruction or intestinal rupture, but the yeast can form alcohol when it rises which a can cause alcohol poisoning.

Pet owners should also keep in mind that while certain foods may not be considered "toxic", in significant amounts they still could potentially produce gastrointestinal upset, especially in animals known to have a sensitive GI tract.

For more information about taboo treats, information about possible home hazards for pets or to just make yourself more familiar with pet poisons in general, keep the following contact information where it can be instantly located: www.aspca.org or (888) 426-4435.

Many flea shampoo products are toxic and harmful to young kittens, adult cats and puppies. It is very important to read the label carefully to insure safety. Most shampoos that are available at a veterinary hospital are safe but again, read the instructions. If the label does not state specifically that it can be used for cats, do not use it on cats or kittens. Murphy's Oil Soap is a safe and non-toxic product for bathing kittens and puppies for fleas. It is also a cruelty free product (no animal testing.) Murphy's Oil Soap is a very safe flea shampoo for young animals of all types, just be sure to rinse well.

Melvin models a gentle leader

No...it is not a muzzle!!!

by: Gen Warner, Certified Animal Behaviorist

Does a walk with your dog normally consist of you holding onto trees and mailboxes to stop your dog from dragging you into the next county? Have you begun to dread taking your dog anywhere? Are you tired of fighting for control? Would you like to have a working relationship with your dog, but cannot seem to get his attention? If you answered "YES!" to one or all of the above questions, there is something out there that can help. It is not a miracle. It is not a cure-all. It is not a muzzle. It is called a headcollar. The headcollar on a dog uses the same principle as a halter on a horse. Namely, if you have control of the head, you have control of the animal. When was the last time you saw someone walking a horse with a neck collar? The headcollar is not painful and does not constrict the trachea (like chain collars). The two most readily available brands are the Gentle Leader and the Halti. Several shelter dogs have benefited from both. After a brief adjustment period, you will be amazed at the difference.

Middleburg Humane Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible. MHF continues to be entirely funded by private donations with no state or county funding. Please donate via paypal or make your check payable to: MHF and mail to MHF, PO Box 1238, Middleburg, VA 20118. Click here for other ways you can help.