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.

Foster of the Week: Blackbeard, a Pirate Kitty

November 15, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Ahoy, matey! I’m Blackbeard, the Pirate Kitty!!

When Zoe’s first picked me up, I was a dirty feral scallywag – hissing and spitting at everyone and everything. That’s the pirate way, you know! But then the people gave me toys and balls and pets and cuddles and my steely pirate heart melted. Those bouncy balls, I tells ya…. no pirate kitty can resist. They call to me like ocean sirens.

My foster mom says my pirate spirit is strong and sometimes my head gets big from my mighty pirate power. ARGH!!! My crew of older foster siblings keep me in check and teach me how to be a proper feline. They’re great playmates, too! I love running and playing with them! I’m a pretty busy guy with lots of energy, but I also love a good cuddle. Especially with my first mate foster sibling. She cleans my head when we cuddle, makes me purrrrrrrrr!

I’m ready to find my forever crew now. I’d do best with older, experienced cats so I can grow into a balanced, well-behaved pirate kitty. I haven’t met any dogs, so I can’t say how I feel about them. I’m young though, so I think I could grow to love a canine crew mate. As long as they don’t chase or bark at me. I’m even up for some little human crew mates. Just be gentle and respect my pirate ways!

Yo ho ho and a bottle of catnip!

Foster of the Week: At the Table with Christy May

November 11, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hey there! Christy May here! Just hanging on the table with my foster pop, figuring out what the day has in store for us.

My foster mom tells me I’m not supposed to be on the table, but my foster sister does it and I come from feral beginnings, so what do I know? (Insert my silly signature Christy May smile here.) Plus it really is the best way to get the humans to play with me.

I went to the Edmonton Comic Expo in September and you know what? It wasn’t half bad! My foster mom said I was amazing, “friendly and appropriate.” Not too shabby for a pup from the streets. I’ve come a long way and even though I still have some anxiety, I’m learning positive ways to handle it – like chewing on bones and antlers. Nomnomnomnom!!

I love my foster family with my whole, whole heart, but I think I’m ready for my forever home. (You know, before they get too attached to me.) I’m an energetic girl so a walker or jogger would be a match made in heaven. And I’ll need help and patience transitioning to a new home, but I am positive we will grow into a solid relationship. As long as you give me lots of treats. Which of course you will, because look at my face.

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

Featured Volunteer – Nicole Furtak

November 9, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

A regular feature where we get to know a little more about one of our amazing volunteers. This time round, Nicole Furtak spills the beans…

Can you tell us a little about your background before you became a volunteer?

I’m a PhD student at the U of A; I study socks. I also have 4 cats: Socks, Tess, Tux, and Moo. I’m a crazy cat lady, but I also have a husband.

How did you first get involved with Zoe’s?

I met Kath and another volunteer at the Edmonton International Cat Festival. Some time passed, and I kept thinking about volunteering, so one day I decided to sign up.

What roles have you carried out for the society?

I’m a foster, I rescued 10 cats from an unfortunate barn situation with the help of Kath and Sasha, I’ve helped out at events, organized a couple fundraisers, and now I’m an Official Fundraiser, co-cordinating the Fundraising Team with Maggie Hamilton.

How long have you volunteered for Zoe’s?

5 months… I dove in once I got involved!

What types of things have you been involved in as a volunteer?

I’ve made some items for silent auction, acted as security for Taste of Edmonton, and started a Donation Drive that has already exceeded ten times it’s original goal.

What’s been your funniest experience as a volunteer?

Arranging for a donation of pet food and kitty litter from a large grocery store chain and finding out that the donation was 4 pallets of dog food, 1 pallet of cat food, and 1 pallet of kitty litter. The look on Michelle Kavanagh’s face when my pallet of kitty litter arrived at her house for temporary storage was priceless.

What do you like most about volunteering?

Kitty cuddle time – and seeing all the before and afters of animals that come in that we’ve been able to help. Fundraising, you aren’t always in direct contact with the animals, but without the funds there are animals that we wouldn’t have been able to help. I have a really great graph that shows what Fundraiser Team has done since October, when it was formed.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering for Zoe’s?

Jump in. If there is something you want to do, just start talking to people about it. There might already be someone doing that or something similar, but chances are they’re involved in a number of different activities and wouldn’t mind a hand.

How much time do you spend volunteering?

It varies. Right now it’s been quite a lot with the Donation Drive in full swing, but I think I’ll have a little more down time once mid November rolls around.

Do you volunteer for any other organizations?

No, I’m sort of a one trick pony.

What makes you happy?

Organization, graphs, tracking parameters, kitties, socks, and pie.

What makes you sad?

Turning away animals and not finding enough volunteers for events.

Many thanks for your time and honesty Nicole – we salute you!

Filed Under: Featured Volunteer, Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Winter Pet Safety

November 6, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Whether we like it or not, winter is fast approaching and we all know what that means: sub-zero temperatures, blistering winds, and waist-high snow drifts. It can be a beautiful time of year, but it’s also one of the most dangerous for pets and neighbourhood animals who can’t always find a warm place to go during these coldest months. With a little help from us, though, we can make surviving the winter a little bit easier on our four-legged furry friends!

To keep your pets safe:

1) Be mindful of the temperature: As a general rule of thumb, if it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s probably too cold for your pets. In last year’s Vet Q&A: Winter Edition, Dr. Anwar of Lakeside Vet Clinic says -20C is the cut off; below that temperature, hypothermia can set in very quickly. Don’t forget to factor in the windchill, too!

2) Limit time outside: Limiting cold exposure becomes important as the mercury drops, so try to stick to shorter periods of outdoor play or walks if it’s well below freezing.

3) Dress your pet appropriately: Certain breeds of dogs can withstand longer periods of time outside, but for smaller dogs, it may be wise to invest in cold weather gear like sweaters, vests, and booties. (Booties are also good to keep salt from irritating and damaging your pet’s paws!) Also keep in mind that puppies, short hair breeds, and recently-bathed dogs are more prone to cold; keep your puppies safe and warm, don’t clip your dog’s hair too short, and wait until your dog’s fur is completely dry before heading outside for playtime.

4) Supervision: It may be tempting to open your backdoor and let your dog run around in the snow while you stay bundled up indoors with a warm cup of cocoa instead. But in really cold weather, supervision of your pet is vital in order to monitor for signs of distress. Signs of cold weather distress include shivering, lack of mental alertness, and weakness. If your pet begins exhibiting these signs, it’s important to bring them indoors and warm them up with blankets and cuddles.

Supervision also ensures your pet doesn’t get into rock salt or antifreeze that has been used, left out, or spilled! If possible, avoid using salt and chemicals at all on your sidewalks, and clean up any spills immediately. This not only protects your pets but also other pets and neighbourhood animals in your community.

5) After playtime: It’s important also to keep your pets warm after outdoor playtime is over. Under your vet’s supervision, it may be a good idea to increase the amount of food your dog is eating if they are active outdoors. Make sure that you provide safe and dry places for your pet to sleep, away from drafts and off the floor if possible (ie. on a cat or dog bed, with a warm blanket and pillow.)

This goes double for dogs with outdoor shelters. Ensure warm, dry bedding is provided (straw is a good bedding material, provided it is changed frequently), that their kennel has a sloped roof and is insulated from wind and heated, and with a doorway that prevents snow and rain from getting inside. If you have any doubts about their outdoor shelter or if the weather is extremely cold for an extended period of time, it is always better to bring your pet inside than risk their health in a questionable shelter. Zoe’s is always looking for donations of dog igloos for this exact reason. If you happen across one in good condition that you think would be usable, contact us and we can make sure it makes to a location where it will be used by neighbourhood dogs in need!

Hopefully by following these tips, you can enjoy the long winter months with a healthy, happy pet by your side!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: pet safety, winter

Cold Weather – Animals in Distress

November 5, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

It goes without saying that winter is a harsh time of year. This is especially true for lost and stray animals in our communities, who may not have a place to warm up when it gets cold. What should you do if you find an animal in distress?

Contact the proper authorities. In the City of Edmonton, this would be Animal Care & Control, and they can be accessed by calling 311 or 780-442-5311. They will send someone out to take the animal in, to try and locate its guardian, or bring it to a veterinarian for care if it is sick or injured and needs medical attention
Animal Control may not be available to respond immediately, in which case you should try to get the animal to a warm location as soon as possible. This could be a garage or a shed, or into your home if you can. In the event you can’t coax it indoors, providing it with a temporary shelter (such as a sturdy box lined with straw) may be your best bet.
Offer food and water. Even if the animal does not want to come inside, a dish of food left in a safe location can be a lifesaver for an animal in need; it means they do not have to spend time and energy scrounging for food, and they can be better equipped to fight off illness or injury should they become ill. Wet food left outside will freeze, so use dry food. Check water dishes left out for freezing, as well.
Bear in mind that an animal that is obviously injured may become violent and attack if it feels threatened. Leave food and water and shelter available to the animal and monitor the situation until someone can be dispatched to properly care for the injured animal
If you see an animal left tethered outdoors or locked in a cold vehicle, and you suspect an abusive situation, contact the Edmonton Humane Society (780-471-1774) to report the situation and for advice on what to do next.

For neighbourhood animals (such as stray cats, or even local wildlife such as hares and jackrabbits) there are things you can do to keep your property free from hazards as well:

DIY animal shelters are a wonderful option for keeping cats safe and warm through the winter months. It is vital that these shelters be maintained and cleaned regularly, so if you go this route please be mindful of the time necessary to maintain them.
Cleaning up spilled antifreeze and securing other de-icing chemicals and sidewalk salts is vital as these are attractive to animals and can pose serious health risks if ingested.
A good habit to form is to make a lot of noise when getting into your vehicle after it’s been parked overnight or for a long period of time, as well as checking behind the tires before you start to drive away. Stray animals and wildlife may easily hide underneath cars or even within the exposed sections of our cars’ underbody, and this poses risks of serious injury or death when the car is started. A couple of quick bangs on the hood of your car should be enough to scare away any animals seeking shelter inside or around your car.

It’s not always possible to help an animal in distress, and you shouldn’t put your safety at risk to accomplish this. If you don’t feel it is safe to intercept a stray animal, make the call and monitor things until help arrives. Together, we can make winter a better one for the animals in our community!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: pet safety, winter

The Original Zoe

November 2, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Zoe, in Greek, means life.

We would like you to meet our original Zoe, an American Staffordshire, whose life became a precious part of our organization.

We found Zoe in North Carolina in a high kill shelter, and as Pit Bulls are in the top two dogs euthanized in shelters, we knew we needed to find a way to rescue her. Zoe became our first US rescue. Although we primarily focus on Canadian rescues, we execute international rescues a couple times a year. Due to the Pit Bull ban in Ontario at the time, we had to fly Zoe to Montana, at which point Kath and Dave drove all the way from Edmonton to pick her up!

Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society began in August 2012. We began with a modest 20 volunteers, and 100 followers on Facebook. We now have more than 400 volunteers, and more enthusiastic animal lovers are constantly added to our team. Zoe’s Facebook page has over 25,000 followers, as well as an Instagram, Twitter and a YouTube channel!

Zoe’s has grown in so many great ways, and it is because of all of our hard working and dedicated volunteers, fosters, and supporters that we have achieved so much greatness. Our animals become our world, and our reason for waking up in the morning. Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society is more than a safe place for animals – it is one in which they are constantly loved and cared for.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Tips to keep your pets safe on Halloween

October 29, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Halloween can be a scary time for both pets and owners: during the season, emergency vet clinics grow busy, and corner posts fill with posters of beloved cats and dogs. Maybe that’s why October is also National Animal Safety and Protection month! To keep your pets safe this Halloween, watch out for the following dangers.

With his ID tags and microchip, Franklin is ready to travel anywhere.

Open Doors
It’s easy for a frightened cat or dog to dart out of an open door while you’re tending to trick-or-treaters. To prevent your pet from escaping, keep them in a separate room, or put up a gate.

A microchip and collar will also help your pet to be easily returned if they do manage to get out.

Costumes
While no one can deny that a dog dressed as a dinosaur is beyond adorable, you should always respect your pet’s stress signals. If your cat or dog begins to panic, remove the costume. You may have to downgrade to a festive collar or bandana if they’re too anxious about a full costume.

If your pet loves their suit, great! But supervise whenever they wear it, check that they can still move about freely, and avoid costumes that have easy-to-ingest ribbons and doodads.

Decorations
You know pets: eat first, ask questions later. Don’t let that ‘later’ turn into emergency exploratory surgery. Keep all decorations out of reach, and make sure that candles are kept away from precarious edges.

Candy
Dogs are basically year-round trick-or-treaters, and won’t waste an opportunity to grab candy. Artificial sweeteners, chocolate, and raisins can all be toxic to pets, even in small doses, so keep treats out of reach. If you have kids, explain to them why they can’t share their loot with their furry sibling. And of course, some pet-safe treats wouldn’t go astray.

Trick-or-Treaters
Though we all want our pets to be door greeters, some animals just aren’t cut out for it. If your pet is stressed by meeting new people, keep them in a quiet room away from the front with some snacks or toys to keep them busy. If the sound of the doorbell is a stressor, you can turn on some light music to mask the noise.

Even if your pet initially likes greeting people, watch for signs of over-stimulation such as excessive panting, pacing, and turning a deaf ear on your commands. If you live in a busy neighborhood, you may need to alternate greeting with some quiet time.

“Ready to answer the door, greet strangers in costume, and save America.”

Who is this handsome dog, you ask? He’s Franklin, a proud rescue ally! Franklin isn’t up for adoption, but there are many other great dogs (and cats!) waiting for homes. Check out our adoptables page!

Photos by zoography

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource · Tagged With: Halloween, pet safety

What to Do if You Find Kittens

October 21, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

What should you do if you find a litter of kittens outdoors?

If you are like many of us animal-lovers, your first reaction is probably take the stray kittens home and care for them. In some cases this may be possible, but in order to make sure the kittens stay safe and sound, there are steps that must be taken first. We have put together this guide to ensure that kittens are cared for and that proper precautions are taken!

Do not assume the kittens have been abandoned

Momma cat may just be making a quick trip to pick up food and bring back to her little ones. It’s also possible that she is in hiding because she saw you approaching. Separating the little ones from their mother while they are still so young should be avoided if at all possible, as no one is able to care for them better than she is. Keep an eye on the batch for at least a couple of hours to see if mom returns. If she does show up, and the kittens seem to be in a safe location, it is best to leave them be. You can place food and water nearby for mom, but do not force her to eat. She will sniff out the goods if she is interested!

If she returns, but shows signs of being feral, it may be best to perform a TNR. For more information about what this is, click here.

Lastly, do not pick the kittens up if they appear to be four months or older. They could be feral and won’t be the most welcoming to being handled. It is always best to approach the situation as if they are feral until you are certain otherwise.

Arrange for them to have the best possible care

The idea of having a bundle of adorable kittens at home to play with and care for is undeniably a pleasant one, but often abandoned kittens need more than just warmth, food, and water to become the healthiest they can be.

Firstly, depending on age, they may still be reliant on their mother’s milk. When taken too early, kittens have a much lower chance of survival even if they are bottle fed milk by their caretaker. Also, the kittens could have other medical conditions such as worms, parasites (Toxoplasma), rabies, and various other infectious diseases that can be spread to other animals.

It is always best to call an animal welfare agency to come rescue the cats if possible. They are experienced in caring for abandoned animals and will be able to assess the situation and make the right decisions to get the kittens the care they need. If you are unable to contact such an organization, you can call a local veterinary clinic and provide them with as much information as possible about where they were found, along with your contact information. Most animal rescue organizations have relationships with local veterinarians and will be contacted to care for the animals.

Keep them warm until help arrives

If the kittens feel cold, they need to be warmed up quickly. Tiny kittens spend most of their energy growing and meowing for food, leaving them with barely any left to raise their body temperature…never a good thing! Set a heating pad to low and wrap it in 2 towels or use a hot water bottle warmed to about 100 degrees and wrapped in a towel. Place it in half of the “nesting area”, but be sure the kittens also have room to move away if they feel a little too toasty. Being over-heated isn’t ideal either! Keep a close eye on them while you wait for assistance. Continually check for signs of chilling (kittens are listless, cold to the touch, the kittens mouth feels cold), if you think the kittens are too cold and could be in danger, try using your own body heat to warm them. Try placing the kitten close to where your body is most warm (near the armpit, close to the chest), or massaging the tiny kitten with your warm hands. It’s important NOT to feed kittens that are severely cold. Warm them first!

If there are no local organizations that can take the kittens, you are certain their mother is not coming back, and you fear for their safety, then it is okay to take them inside. But you must understand that simply taking newborn kittens into your home won’t be enough to nurse them back to health. They will need to be bottle fed around-the-clock (requiring formula, kitten-nursing bottles, etc) , and will need an indoor nesting area (cardboard box, heating pad, water bottle, etc). Before taking on this responsibility, we urge you to do your research so that your new little friends grow to be healthy and strong!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Urgent Request for Dog Food Donations

October 18, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hey animal lovers!

I’m sure we can all agree that we stuffed ourselves to the rims with delicious food this past Thanksgiving weekend and that it was fantastic! Now we are looking to you to help us provide our pups with food too.

We are asking for donations to help purchase dog food for our fosters. Donations as small as $5.00 can help to change a dog’s life, and help them feel as satisfied and full as we all did over the holidays.

Thank you for your continuous support, you help give these dogs the care and love they deserve!

Donate now.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

10 Reasons that Julianne is the Cat for You!

October 9, 2015 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Apply to Adopt Me

1. She’s gorgeous! I mean, just look at her!

2. She’s great with kids!

3. She’s not as much work as a kitten, Julianne is low energy, so she’s pretty chill!

4. She’s a great cuddler!

5. She doesn’t mind going for walks on a harness! In fact, she enjoys it quite a lot!

6. All her babies have been adopted, and she’s still looking for her forever home! We know it’s you!

7. She’ll have conversations with you! Literally! She loves to talk!

8. She will give you unconditional love for the rest of her life! What more could you ask for?

9. She’s really low maintenance and calm! Perfect for a senior looking for a cuddle buddy!

10. Adopting a rescue animal is one of the best choices you’ll ever make! #adoptdontshop

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·