Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks

by Lindsay Herrick-Somerset

As the weather warms up, that means more time outside with your dog. But, with the warm season, also means the return of something else: ticks.

Ticks are found specifically in longer grassy areas and in bushes. Even though many people think of them as insects, they are actually arachnids which are similar to spiders and mites. Ticks are parasites that feed off of the blood the host they attach themselves to. Those hosts can be can a human or an animal.

The biggest problem with ticks is that they are carriers of disease, specifically Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be very serious if not treated, with symptoms including a fever, loss of appetite, pain, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, swollen joints and shifting lameness from one leg to another. If not treated, it can cause serious damage to your dog's heart, nervous system and kidneys.

If you suspect that your pet has Lyme disease, take them to their vet as soon as possible. Your vet will want to do a blood panel to be sure and then start your dog on antibiotics right away as Lyme disease is a bacterial illness.

This is why it's extremely important to do a tick check any time your dog has been outside, specifically if they have been in long grassy areas (such as the river valley) or in bushes. The most common places where ticks like to grab on to and most pet owners miss are your dog’s ears, between their toes and arm pits.

What do you do if you find a tick on your dog? The safest way to remove a tick is by using a tick remover tool . Do not touch the tick with your bare hands as bacteria could be transmitted to you. Wear gloves or use a paper towel if you don't have gloves. Grab the tick as close to the skin surface as possible so this reduces the chances of the head detaching. Twist and pull the tick out with steady and even pressure. It may take a minute or two, so be patient. Once the tick has been removed, find a container and take it your vet so they can send it off to a lab to be inspected. Write down the time and place where the bite occurred.

Once the tick has been safely removed, it's very important to disinfect the bite area and your hands as soon as possible.

So, what can you do to prevent your dog from getting ticks? Talk to your vet about what they recommend as there are many different options out there. There are monthly topical treatments that can be applied to your dog that are effective at keeping both ticks and fleas at bay. If your dog attends daycare, most daycare require proof that your dog is having it applied. But be cautious about using any random tick treatment you find at a store as they are not all created equal and/or can be hazardous to your dog.

Also, make sure you check yourself over if you have been out with your pet in high risk areas for ticks. You don't want to take your chances.

We’re Here For Your Happily Ever After

March 17, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

It’s pretty ludicrous that after the birth of a baby, everyone is sent home and left to figure out life and parenting on their own. Zoe’s would never do that to a new family. We’re here for you, man!

Here are a few of the ways you can count on us after you take your new family member home:

Once a Zoe’s Animal, Always a Zoe’s Animal
This mantra is our foundation. Whether an animal was in our care for two weeks, two months or two years, they are ALWAYS a member of the Zoe’s family. Our homes and our hearts are always open. No exceptions.
24/7/365 Support
Your relationship with Zoe’s doesn’t end when the adoption contract is signed. Just the opposite. Every adoptive family is given contact information (phone numbers and email) that can be used any time, for any reason. Health question? Call us. Behaviour question? Call us. Dog vomiting at 1 am? Call us. Cat gagging at your morning coffee? Call us! We might giggle at first, but we will also help you determine if this is cause for concern or just another odd cat quirk.
Your Foster Family Can Be Your Friends Forever
Many of our foster families keep in touch with their adoptive families. Not only as a wealth of information and resources, but as friends and as people who truly love each and every foster that comes through their door. We want our rescues to be happy in their forever homes and we want to support our adopters in every way we can.
The Happily Ever After Club
We’re here for the bad stuff, but we’re also here for the good stuff! We invite every adoptive family to join our Happily Ever After group on Facebook. Share photos, updates and stories or ask questions and get support.

We do our very best to make sure all our animals are thoroughly vetted and assessed before being adopted. Despite our best efforts, sometimes things are missed, show up later down the road or maybe extra treatment is necessary. Regardless of what or why, you will always have our support. We are always a phone call or email away.

“We love and care for and fight to ensure the health of all the animals in our care, but there are exceptions!

Yep, parasites! If it lives in or on a cat or dog or horse or guinea pig or other companion animal that crosses our path – it is on our and our vet’s hit list. (They are a normal side effect of living outside and of poor nutrition which is par for the course for most rescue intakes, but normal, well cared for pets can get them too.) We treat for all the usual suspects like round worm, tape worm, mange, mites etc. And often more than once because most parasites take full advantage when they find a host.
We want our animals to be as healthy and comfortable as possible simply because we love them.

We have a top notch medical team that works closely with our amazing foster homes and dedicated vets work to provide the BEST care not only while they are with us but also as steadfast resources even after an animal is adopted and becomes YOUR pet.“
(Kath Oltsher, Co-Director)

Check out the Education & Pet Care Tips section of our website to learn how to manage some common pet issues and concerns.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Foster of the Week: Chinook

March 14, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hi! I’m Chinook, pleased to meet you.

People tell me I’m an “old soul,” and that I’m like a warm wind on a cold winter day. Maybe, but really, I’m just happy to be out of the dump I was living in.

Life is so good now, sometimes I nip myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.

When Zoe’s picked me up from the dump, I wasn’t in the best shape. I’m blind in one eye and have a degenerative disease in the other; I was being bullied, I was skinny and had a pretty serious leg injury. I didn’t feel good about myself and had little confidence. Zoe’s took me in, fixed up my leg and placed me in the most wonderful foster home. I’m healing remarkably well, inside and out. Every day I grow stronger and more confident. I am so grateful for this new life.

I’m living with the loveliest people; I like cuddling the littlest ones most of all. They’ve given me a warm place to sleep, fresh food and water every day…. And they take me on walks through the ravine! I love the ravine! (My foster mom says I am brilliant on a leash.) The dogs in my foster home are great too. I have so much fun playing with them in the snow.

I have to be honest with you though. As good as this new life is – and it is GOOD – I have some anxiety when I’m left alone. I’m working on this with my foster family but, just like people, it’s going to take time to work through. I need patient people who are home most of the day or who can take me with them to work. I also want a home with another dog, I need a friend. Friends are the bits of bacon in the kibble bowl of life.

I may have started my life in the dumps, but I’m not staying there! I have a lot of love to give. I’m young, well-behaved, calm and gentle.

So let’s go! The ravine is waiting! Apply to adopt me!

Foster of the Week: Moose Shrek

March 7, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hi!

Are you here to cuddle with me?

Oh, I hope so! Just give me 20 – 30 minutes to warm up to you, then I’ll wrap myself around your neck and purr forever.

I’m a little shy and skittish, unsure of new people and scared of loud noises. But my foster mom and I are working on that, she’s so good at reassuring me that I’m ok. I feel more confident every day! Despite being timid at times, I love people a whole lot and want to be involved in everything you do. I’ll even help with the dishes, water is fascinating!!

My foster mom says I am a sweet little soul, very loving and purrrrrrrr-y. When you finish the dishes and have a sit down, I’ll be right there beside you to gaze lovingly into your eyes, kiss you and give head butts of lurve.

I have foster siblings and I love them too! I’ve become best friends with one of the cats in my foster home; we play and nap together all the time. The other cat isn’t so fond of me, but I’m going to love her into friendly submission. I think I would prefer a forever home with playmates. I’m still full of kitten energy and love to play – with my foster sibling, lasers, strings….. I don’t discriminate against a good time!!

Say….. is your neck cold? It looks like it is. Let me be your kitten scarf, apply to adopt me today!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: adoptable cat, Foster of the Week

Shopper’s Drug Mart Optimum Points Charity Donation Program!

March 1, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society is now registered with the Shoppers Optimum Points Donation Program! This exciting new partnership means that you can now donate your Optimum Points directly to Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society easily online – it costs you nothing and means that Zoe’s can gain precious extra $$$ in donations to help our animals in need. Just follow the following simple steps and your good deed for the day is done! –

Go to https://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/optimum-new and log in to your Optimum account.
Choose the Donate/Transfer Points in the options bar at the top of the page.
Scroll down to the Donate Points to a Charity option. Choose Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society from the drop-down menu. Enter the number of points you’d like to donate then click Donate Points.
You’re done!

The Optimum Points award scheme also has regular coupon promotions which allows you to optimise the amount of points you gain – just choose the My Coupons option once you’ve logged in to your account for current deals.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Edmonton ACCC – FAQ #1 (The Basics)

February 28, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

I had a great time during my tour of the Edmonton Animal Care and Control Centre in January 2016. A large part of that tour, however, was to get answers to a lot of the questions I had about them. Before we start I have to thanks fellow Zoe’s volunteer Tammy as well as the entire staff of the ACCC for giving this opportunity to fight fables with facts. (Yes, that’s my new motto…)

What is the capacity of the ACCC?

Currently they can hold 116 cats and 50 dogs. However, they can increase this capacity in the event of a sudden influx of animals (e.g. a hoarding situation).

Is the ACCC on social media?

The ACCC currently has a website and they just launched their Facebook page in January 2016 – https://www.facebook.com/animalcareandcontrolcentre/. The Facebook page helps coordinate much more closely with animal rescue and lost pet groups and they post new intakes once a day.

What process does an animal go through when they are brought to the ACCC?

The animal’s picture is taken
The animal gets a full physical examination by a registered veterinary technologist (including an ID check)
Aggressive animals get a full visual check
The staff treat and medicate the animal as necessary, as directed by the in house veterinarian
The animal is transferred to a kennel
1. Dogs get a clean bed and blanket, food, water, and at least one new toy a day
2. Cats get a clean bed and litter, food, water, and at least one new toy a day
3. NOTE – all of these kennels are large. In the case of the dog kennels, often very large (2 rooms with connecting door)
The animal receives daily health checks or more often if needed
The animal receives daily sessions in the outdoor run, treadmill, or enrichment room
Multiple behavioral assessments are performed during their stay (daily or more often)
The ACCC staff searches extensively for owner
If the animal’s owner is found, they are notified

How does ACCC search for the owners of lost pets?

The search for an animal’s owner is very extensive. It includes:

Visible ID tags
Microchip information
Tattoos – they will call multiple vets for information
Public records search
PetLynx
Kijiji
Facebook lost animal groups – some staff may also post there
If the animal has been given to another owner, they will follow that trail of owners

How long will an animal normally stay at the ACCC?

Animals with an ID stay 10 days. Animals without ID stay for 3 days.

What happens when the animal’s stay is up?

Animals that meet the EHS behavioral criteria are transferred there for adoption.
Animals that do not meet the EHS behavioral criteria are transferred to rescues wherever possible. The ACCC networks with several rescues to get them fostered and eventually adopted.
Animals with extreme aggression that constitute a danger to people or other animals are euthanized.
Feral cats – the ACCC works with several rescues to provide barn cats.
NOTE: Animals are not euthanized for lack of space – the ACCC has reserve kennels available. For example, they can subdivide a large dog kennel into two smaller ones. (During my visit I got the strong impression that euthanasia is only used as a last resort.)

What Advice can the ACCC give to pet owners?

Keep your pets inside whenever possible.
Keep your pet’s license tag visible.
Have your pet microchipped.
Always keep your pet’s license or microchip information up to date.
Be a responsible pet owner.
- Don’t let them poop in the neighbor’s yard
- Curb excessive barking
- Don’t let your dog off-leash in on-leash areas.
- Learn the proper etiquette and safety tips for off-leash areas
- Learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner

What is ACCC’s outlook for 2016?

2016 is looking like it will be a very challenging year. As the economy declines, the rate of abandoned pets increases so they are preparing for this.

Does ACCC help when an animal is in acute danger? (Stuck down a sewer or in a tree?)

Normally the Fire Department or emergency services should be called for this. ACCC will assist these departments, however.

Can ACCC help if a pet’s owner dies?

Yes. They will hold the animal for 10 days, and they will do everything they can to contact the person’s next of kin. If that fails they will transfer the animal to EHS or another rescue.

Do you take volunteer applications?

Not directly. However, people can volunteer for one of the rescues that ACCC works.

Do you take applications for animal fosters?

Not directly. However, ACCC works with several animal rescue organizations for its animal fostering so a person can sign up through them

Do you take owner surrenders?

No – this is done through the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS).

Do you have a Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program?

No, but several animal rescue societies including the EHS do TNR programs.

Do you do pet adoptions?

ACCC does not adopt animals directly. However, they transfer unclaimed animals to EHS and other rescues for adoption.

Do you only work with the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS)?

No, although they are the primary organization they work with, the ACCC works with other rescues as well. Examples include transferring animals to other rescues for fostering, and transferring feral cats to rescues that have “barn cat” programs.

Do you have any assistance for animal rescue organizations?

Yes. ACCC provides grants to animal rescue organizations, called ARF grants. These grants can assist with many needs of animal rescues such as events, veterinary costs, and so on.

Do you have a “Barn Cat” program for feral cats?

The ACCC works with a number of rescue organizations that have barn cat programs. These programs are an excellent alternative to euthanizing cats that cannot be adopted or socialized.

If I have a poor customer experience with the ACCC, what can I do?

When you call 311, try to get a ticket number for reference before they transfer you to ACCC.
Have a pen and paper handy (or use your smartphone).
Be sure to get the person’s name you are speaking to.
Try to record all of the details of the conversation as best as you can.
Stay as calm as possible during the conversation.
If you feel that you have grounds to make a complaint, call 311, provide the ticket number and details, and they will process your complaint.
NOTE: The above process also works for commendations as well.

This is the first of two FAQs on the ACCC. The second set of FAQs will answer some of the tougher questions, so stay tuned!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Foster of the Week: Queenie

February 28, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hi, dolls. I’m Queenie.

Not to be braggadocious, but I’m a total 11 – drop dead gorgeous, sharp as a tack, sly as a fox, smart as a whip, more fun than a barrel of monkeys and a whole lotta lady!

I know what I want and I know what I need, so let me break it down for you:

My forever home MUST have another big and playful dog. I thrive on playtime and canine companionship. I immediately bonded with a one-eyed puppy in my foster home, taught the little guy how to wrestle. He’d never get anywhere in life without solid wrestling skills. I also started a fun little love triangle with the other two pooches in my foster home. The dude dog was a bit of a grouch when I showed up, didn’t like to be bothered, I couldn’t even lie next to him. Pft. I shined my sunshine on him and he couldn’t resist. I have that effect on dogs. My foster mom says I’ve integrated into the pack like I’ve been here forever.

I need to be with people who are fun, positive, smart and committed to helping me learn to be a well-balanced girl. I’m smart, like SUPER smart. I can figure things out in minutes – like baby gates and treat puzzles. My foster mom gave me a treat puzzle once and I had that thing licked in thirty seconds flat. (I was *supposed* to spin some part of it and treats would come out. Ain’t nobody got time for that. I just picked it up in my mouth, shook it like a polaroid picture and VOILA!) I’m enthusiastic, boisterous and strong, sometimes I get over-excited and a bit mouthy. But I’m working on that. My forever family will have experience with positive reinforcement training or willing to take obedience classes with me. I’m a really good girl, I’m not destructive when left alone, I don’t have separation anxiety and I am crate trained (although I don’t love my crate very much), but I do need a family who will help teach and guide me.

Maybe I should keep this tucked under my tail, but I have to tell you because it’s so darn hilarious! One of the greatest joys in my life is harassing the cats in my foster home. I wouldn’t dream of hurting them, but chasing them and taking them to brink of heart failure… oh, man!! Cats are So. Much. Fun.

I’m anything but boring, that’s for sure!

So go ahead! Apply to adopt me!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: adoptable dog, Foster of the Week

Foster of the Week: Miss Moose

February 21, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Quiet, introverted feline who loves salmon and long gazes out the window seeks patient human forever companion with an animal-free home and a never-ending supply of Greenies.

Hi, I’m Miss Moose.

I’m a mature lady who knows what she wants – a calm and patient home with a friend whose ideal Friday night is a simple salmon dinner followed by Netflix and chilling.

I like to take life at my own pace. I can be cautious and skittish, but once I feel comfortable, I am a purr machine of cuddly love. I don’t care for animal companions, they make me uncomfortable. I want to be the only feline in your life. I also don’t care for toys that move on their own, that’s downright freaky. Not to mention rude. (Um, personal space, please.) But I do enjoy a fun romp with balls or toy mice, at a time and place of my choosing. I also like to stash food in corners and nooks around my home; for those times when I feel like a solitary snack in contemplation of life.

I’m not a high maintenance girl, I like the simple life. An easy routine in a home of peaceful zen. But I do need someone who understands that I can be standoffish and timid at times, especially in a new environment. I might need time. But I’m worth it.

So if you’re a calm, cool cat looking for a cute couch compadre, look no further. I’m your gal!

Apply to adopt me today!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: adoptable cat, Foster of the Week

Are you buying from a puppy or kitten mill?

February 17, 2016 by Holly Foisy ·

Puppy/kittens mills have become a multi million dollar industry at the expense of helpless animals who generally never get any vetting, live a life in a cage and are just breeding machines for their “owners”. Many of these dogs and cats have numerous injuries and behavioral issues due to poor care. But nowadays it’s hard to know where your puppy or kitten has come from. Buying off of kijiji/craigslist or the internet can put you at risk for buying a puppy mill puppy or kitten. So here is a list of things to be on the look out for while you hunt for your newest family member.

Be very weary in regards to “designer breeds” like pomsky, frenchton, puggles. Breeders will breed to promote their breed of choice and have thorough knowledge of the breed, ensure that there are no genetic defects and high standards on breeding. Breeding a “designer breed” is completely for pure profit and generally do not have high standards on what dogs they breed which can result in genetic problems for the puppies. Sadly many of these “designer breeds” come from puppy mills.
Always view the parents, or at least the mom and make sure to notice if she has recently had a litter. Some “owners” will show a female dog who doesn’t even look like she has had any puppies at all as they don’t want you to see the poor condition the real mom is in.
View the property, yes it can be impersonal but really what do they have to hide?
Never transfer any money to an account to purchase the pet.
Never purchase the pet outside the home, parking lots or gas stations are huge red flags for potential puppy/kitten mills.
No good breeder would sell puppies or kittens to a pet store where they have no control on who buys them.
Know the breed you are wanting! Do very thorough research to find the right fit for you and your lifestyle. Always know the breed, temperament and any markings/coloring’s that is standard. Sadly it is common for people to sell brown tabbies as Bengals, long hairs as Maine Coons and grey cats as Russian Blue cats just to ask for a higher price.
Kittens mills do exist sadly, Ragdolls, Persians and Himalayan cats are extremely common for kitten mills so be aware when purchasing a kitten of these breeds.

Good breeders:

Sells purebreds only from registered parents.
Has a spay/neuter contract (Only those with the ideal standard and temperament of the breed could be bred to preserve the breed, pet quality puppies/kittens should be fixed to prevent unwanted genetic defects).
Does not allow you to re home your new pet.
Has thorough knowledge of the breed and is careful of who buys for them.
Only breeds one or two breeds, to them quality and giving individual attention is important.
Puppies/kittens have at least first sets of shots and dewormed. To these breeders it is important that they get vetting to ensure they stay healthy.

Bad breeders:

Sells mutts or kittens as designer breeds or emphasizes that such and such kitten/puppy has a certain breed in them in order to ask for more money.
Sells puppies/kittens as potential breeders, even if poor quality usually to ask for more money.
Only cares about profit, not the animal, so these puppies/kittens get no vetting at all and were probably never look at by a vet which could mean you are buying a sick animal.

Backyard breeders are common and you should also be very cautious with them. Most are just breeding for pure profit not for their breed of choice to ensure that the breed continues on. If you think you know of a puppy mill or kitten mill or see poor quality of life for some dogs/cats you go and see then please contact your local humane society and they will investigate. The only way to stop puppy mills and kitten mills is with knowledge and speaking up against them. With your help, they could be a thing of the past! Let’s put a stop to these inhumane breeding facilities, animals are much more then just dollar signs, they are family and should be treated with love and care from the moment they are born.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource · Tagged With: how do you know your buying from a puppy/kitten mill, kittens mills, prevent buying from puppy mills or kitten mills, puppy mills, stop puppy mills

Foster of the Week: Ila

February 15, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hi, Loves. I’m Ila.

Come lay by the window and watch the birds with me, won’t you?

I came to Zoe’s about a month ago; I was living outside with my seven little puppies when they found me. The lovely Zoe’s folks gave us a safe and warm place to live until my puppies were ready to go on to their own foster homes. Being a mom was wonderful, I loved my pups so much. All the people who came to see me and my litter said I was such a great mom.

I’ve raised and sent off my puppies and am in my own foster home now.

My foster people are absolute dreams. They are so kind to me and are teaching me all about home living. I’ve just started learning about stairs. Interesting things, those stairs. I’m not sure what I think about them yet. Naps on the other hand…..Mmmmmm. Those, I like.

I like lots of things: Affection, treats, being brushed, sitting real close, playing in the snow, and laying here by the window watching the birds.

I have yet to meet a person I didn’t like (though I haven’t met any small people, so I don’t know how I feel about them. I imagine I’d like them as long as they are nice to me.) My foster home has another dog, he’s pretty great. I met a cat the other day, I liked her a lot too!

I am easy-going, sweet and gentle. My foster parents say I move at ‘Ila speed.’ I’m never in a rush, but always wagging my big bushy tail wherever I go.

I love my foster home, but I would love a forever home and a family to call my own even more.

If you like to be loved, apply to adopt me today.

XOXOX

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: adoptable dog, Foster of the Week

Happy Valentine’s day from us to you!

February 14, 2016 by Holly Foisy ·

It’s Valentines day! A day to celebrate your love for each other. Remember husband and boyfriends, stay out of the doghouse by:
1. Not forgetting it is valentine’s day.
2. Bring her flowers, chocolate or a shiny gift.
3. Do not get her bad gifts these includes things like vacuum cleaners, mustache shavers, and gym memberships.
Three simple steps that will ensure a happy v-day. And ladies don’t forget to tell your man how much you love him!

If your single don’t worry! If you have a pet you are in a relationship where:
1. They will ALWAYS listen to you, even when your rambling on about something pointless like how much you hate your job for the 1000000th time.
2. They love you no matter what, even if you forget it’s their birthday, it’s valentine’s day or your anniversary.
3. They love whatever you get! Except cats, cats are more practical and don’t need that expensive toy, they just love the box it came in.
4. They never judge you! So eat your ice cream chocolate fudge, with a triple patty and cheese fries on the side without hearing about how it’ll go to your hips. Caution: Dogs might help you eat it, and drool on your lap.
5. They are just happy to be with you! You are their whole world! They live to be with you and enjoy every minute of it.
6. They love to cuddle! Yes even when it’s hot they will happily cuddle with you and make you feel loved.

So you see! Being single with a pet is the best! Unless you have a jerk cat who just uses you for food and litter box cleaning. But do not have regret, no one could ever love jerk cat like you do! Happy Valentine’s day everyone!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·