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.

Finding A Forever Home

December 7, 2014 by Iris Rohr ·

As some of you know, we’ve been trying to find a forever home for our sweet pooch, Missy (below).

Zoe’s brought her along to meet a new family and see if she’d be the perfect fit for them. While everyone agreed that Missy might be a little too much, they did meet Willow, who has been with Zoe’s for quite some time now. Willow is quite selective with animals, and similar to Missy, Willow also really loves people. She was so gentle with the kids, and so happy to spend time with them, and now she’s a part of this awesome family.

We are all so thrilled to share this news about Willow! At Zoe’s, we’re committed to finding a companion that will be the perfect fit for your home, family, and life. Feel free to contact us and ask questions about our adoptable pets.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Give A Little Bit

December 7, 2014 by Iris Rohr ·

Want to give back to an organization that helps our furry friends find their forever homes? This holiday season, you can help pets in need by donating to Zoe’s Animal Rescue.

We’ve set up five convenient donation hot spots:

Bone and Biscuit (All 3 Locations, in Edmonton, Spruce Grove, and Summerside!)
Sadie’s Pet Stop (11156 Ellerslie Road)
Global Pet Foods (Suite 100-1, Hebert Rd, St Albert)

At Zoe’s, we’re always looking for toys, cat litter, crates, paper towels, spray bottles, and more. Check out our wishlist here, and make dreams come true for puppies like Anderson, who thanks to your kind donations of money and toys, is now well on his way to ringing in the new year in a new life of love and belly rubs!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Jade & Asha's Pet Portrait's for Parvo

December 3, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Are you ready for the cutest fundraiser of all time?

Jade (8) and Asha (7) will create custom portraits of your pets to raise funds for parvo puppies at Zoe’s Animal Rescue!

Recently, we took in Anderson, a puppy with Parvo that was fighting for his life.

We are very happy to report that Anderson has recovered and is now looking for a forever home. You can read more about him on his profile.

Unfortunately, Parvo is not cheap to treat and Zoe’s has a vet bill of $5,000 to pay off. Jade and Asha came up with a great solution.

For a donation of $10, you will receive a custom portrait done by the girls. You can include up to three pets per portrait. You simply email money transfer your donation along with a photo of your pets, their names, and your mailing address to [email protected]. When the picture is complete, they will send you a 5X7 card.

All proceeds will go to Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society for the care of puppies with parvo, starting with Anderson.

The portraits are absolutely adorable. You may even recognize a few Zoe’s alumni like Eddie:

And Mickey:

The girls’ generosity and talent have even garnered them some media attention! The St. Albert Gazette featured them in their Community Chest section and the Edmonton Examiner in their Heart of the City.

For more information about this fundraiser, you can visit their Facebook page.

A very big thank you to Jade and Asha, and their organizing-behind-the-scenes mom, from everyone at Zoe’s Animal Rescue!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

New Year's Resolution: Volunteer For Zoe's Events Team

December 2, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

The Events Team is looking for volunteers to join us going into the New Year!

All the members of the Events Team will help with planning and executing events, not simply limited to your chosen responsibilities. You can make the position as big, or as little as you want, committing as much time as you have room for! There is always opportunity for growth, especially with fundraising.

We are looking for help in the following areas:

Marketing Coordinator (1 position)
2-5 hours/week

Help events team by advertising events to the Zoe’s Family, liaising with Web Team and Events Coordinator to advertise on social media, and getting posters made (no experience needed) and e-mailed.

Volunteer Coordinator (1 position)
1-2 hours/week

Liaise with our Facebook Guru Holly Foisy, Events Team, and the Zoe’s Family to advertise for, and keep track of, volunteers and fosters for adoption events and other events, remind the Zoe’s Family of any upcoming commitments.

Fundraising Administrator (2 positions)
3-5 hours/week

Up for a challenge? Become a middle man to the Zoe’s Family by helping bring new ideas to the attention of the board, keeping an updated list of fundraisers the Family is putting on, and liaising with Events Team and Web Team to keep our fundraisers in the spotlight. This is NOT a position to be responsible for putting on fundraisers (unless you want to), as that is a Family effort that should not be left to one individual.

Corporate Donations (1 position)
1-5 hours/week

Liaising with Events Team, Web Team, and Zoe’s Family, this role will reach out to businesses for donations (such as for silent auctions), drop off letters, flyers, or aid in responding to inquiries from our business partners. You may also be asked to liaise with the other teams to coordinate pick ups of donations from businesses and offices. 1 volunteer needed, 1-5 hours a week.

Fill out a volunteer application and note which position you are interested in to apply.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

The Perfect Gift for the Pet Lover in Your Life

December 1, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

It’s December 1st, and you know what that means? Whether you’re a holiday lover or a grumpy grinch, it is officially the holiday season.

But don’t worry. The friendly folks at Zoe’s Animal Rescue would like to help you out with your holiday gift shopping. We’ve got a very unique gift idea for those animal lovers in your life.

Visit our online shop to make a donation to Zoe’s and we will mail you a card to give to the recipient. The card features an adorable puppy in a Santa hat. Inside it will say:

In the spirit of the season, [Your Name] has donated $XX (amount) in your name to Zoe’s Animal Rescue.

So whether you’re looking to spend $20 or $200, this is sure to be the perfect gift; you and the recipient receive the joy of knowing you’ve contributed to the life-saving work of Zoe’s Animal Rescue.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Vet Q&A: the Winter Edition!

November 28, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Lakeside Veterinary Clinic, in Sherwood Park, AB, is one of our partner vets, who helps us out in a big way by providing quality care to our rescues at reduced rates. Lakeside treats cats, dogs, and the occasional rabbit, and has been running for 15 years under the current owner. Dr. Anwar, who has been with Lakeside for 9 years, and Darlene, an Animal Health Technician, graciously agreed to a Q &A session, covering some handy health tips for owners, as well as some seasonal advice for winter and the holidays.

What is the most common preventable accident that pets come in for?

Dr. Anwar, our friendly Q&A vet.

Without hesitation, Dr. Anwar fired them off. “Parvovirus and foreign bodies. And for outdoor cats, bites.”
Of course, I had to ask.

And what is the most common foreign body?
“Socks.” Yep, they seem pretty harmless (which is probably why they’re eaten so often!), but if a dog can’t pass it, a trip to the vet is in order. Other commonly ingested objects included toys and wedding rings.

Are there some symptoms that owners fail to act on?
Dr. Anwar and Darlene provided a short list:
• Foreign bodies (you should only wait 24 hours before visiting the vet.)
• Constipation in cats. In some cases, what seems like a simple case of constipation is actually a urinary blockage, which can be quite serious.
• Problems with the eyes. Owners tend to wait for them to get better, but if it worsens, there are fewer options for treatment.

And on a more general note, cats are very good at hiding their illnesses, and so often go untreated for longer.

Both Dr. Anwar and Darlene noted that people rarely call in to just ask. But they should. Phone calls are free, and the answer will not always be ‘bring them in and we’ll see.’ I called Lakeside when my dog swallowed a neighbor’s cat toy, and they advised that I a) remain calm, and b) wait 24 hours and monitor his poop before bringing him in. So next time something happens and you’re wondering what to do, just call.

Okay, now let’s talk winter. What do you suggest for preparing dogs for the cold temperatures?
“Go to Mexico.” But seriously, small, young, and short-haired dogs are prone to hypothermia, so they should have garments that keep them warm. Larger, furry dogs are usually okay, but long-haired dogs should wear boots to keep ice from building up between their toes. And depending on activity, some dogs may need more calories to compensate for the energetic costs of keeping warm. (Good news for those food-driven pups!)

So how cold is ‘too cold’?
“Below -20 degrees Celsius. Below this temperature, dogs should only go on very short walks. And don’t forget to take into account the wind chill factor.”

Some dogs get dry and cracked skin on their toes and nose in the winter. What can owners do to prevent or treat this?
The solutions are similar to those who suffer from dry winter skin: you can get a humidifier, and start moisturizing. There are a variety of dog-specific moisturizers and balms available. But Darlene suggested plain ol’ Vaseline.

Over the holidays, it’s especially hard not to over-feed pets. What are some of the risks of over-feeding?
Dr. Anwar and Darlene suddenly became very animated: the holidays are evidently a busy time for them. Along with the more familiar warnings against giving pets chocolate (it’s poisonous to them), and keeping tinsel and ribbon out of reach, Dr. Anwar had a surprising statistic: during the holiday season, Lakeside treats 2-3 dogs per week for pancreatitis, which is caused by eating fatty foods like turkey drippings. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and in severe cases, death. Dr. Anwar recommended against sharing high-fat human foods, and suggested keeping an eye on the kids, who are the ones most likely to share holiday goodies.

If you’ve been looking for a vet, consider Lakeside. The vets, AHTs, and staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. There are also a few resident cats (Tiger, Herbie, and George), who function as a welcoming committee. And you can’t beat the complimentary fridge magnets.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Including Pets in Protection Orders

November 21, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

This guest post today comes from the Alberta SPCA. For November – Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta – the Alberta SPCA has been posting information on family violence and the impact on animals.

Animals are important to people—livestock can provide income, and pets give us comfort. We often think of pets as part of the family. Legally, though, they’re not considered family members. Instead, they are technically considered “property.” As a result, they are often overlooked in protection orders, as it is said that it is inappropriate to consider the division of property in protection orders. However, pets and livestock are not mere property: they are not like a television or a car, and their well-being can be extremely relevant for the protection of a victim of domestic violence.

Abusers often threaten pets or livestock to control their victims and make them stay. And it works.

In a 2012 Alberta SPCA study, most pet-owning women in emergency shelters (59%) delayed leaving the abusive situation out of concern for their pets or livestock. More than one-third reported that their animals were threatened by the abuser – and those threats were carried out
85% of the time.

Children are also affected. Most of the time, children witness or know about the animal abuse, and in half of the situations it’s the child’s own
pet that is threatened or harmed.

Alberta’s Protection Against Family Violence Act (PAFVA) states that, when making anEmergency Protection Order (EPO), a judge can consider “any other provisions […] necessary to provide for the immediate protection” of the victim (section 2[30(g)]). If the animals’ protection is necessary to quickly get victims to safety, then that protection fits under the PAFVA concept of “any other provision.”

Similarly, when making Queen’s Bench Protection Orders (QBPO), section 4(2)(m) of PAFVA, allows for “any provision that the Court considers appropriate.” As the Alberta SPCA study shows, concern for pets or livestock can—and often does—affect the ability of victims to leave abusive relationships. Furthermore, in many cases those concerns arose from expressed threats made by the abusive partner towards the animal. Victims are at risk longer because of their concern for the animals.

For more information on protective orders download the Get Out and Keep Them Safe, too! brochure. You can do something about it.

If you have cause to believe there is animal abuse occurring in your community, you should report it to the appropriate SPCA or humane society for your area.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Fostering Emmett and Finding Family

November 21, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Today’s post is the story of fostering and family. Mari Sasano tells us about how she, and her Boston Terrier Henry, got into fostering.

You can follow Henry on Instagram @henrysasano!

About two years ago, I decided that I would get involved with rescue. Because my Boston terrier, Henry, has given me so much joy since I brought him home, I decided to volunteer for Boston Terrier Rescue Canada. I’d been lurking on their Facebook page for years and they posted something about a senior Boston who needed an Alberta foster home right away. I had space. My first foster!

Well, it was a false alarm. This particular rescue fellow found a place right away. I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed. But what happened next changed my life. Boston Terrier Rescue called again a week later, asking me if I’d be willing to take in a French Bulldog who was surrendered to French Bulldog Rescue Network. Well, of course!

Emerson just barely escaped euthanasia before he found his way into rescue. Over the summer, he had started to show some paralysis in his hind legs. This was likely a problem with his spine, and the cure would be complicated and expensive. Rather than have him put to sleep, his owners gave him up to French Bulldog rescue who did some fundraising for his surgery. Volunteers stepped up to find the money. He got his surgery, and was confined to crate rest. But his foster parent’s mother broke her leg, so he had to find another foster home ASAP. And that’s where I came in.

And in a couple of weeks, I found myself in a parking lot in Calgary meeting up with a woman who handed over a 10-month old pied Frenchie named Emerson (his real name is Emmett, but all FBRN dogs have a temporary foster name). He was obviously loved and cared for: house-trained, crate-trained, and obviously started with some manners (sit, stay, come). Just your typical confident, clownish Frenchie. My job was to rehab him after so much time in his crate, balancing him on three legs, gently stretching to improve flexibility.

As for my existing dog, Henry is very particular about his friends, so we needed to be careful about introductions; thankfully, FBRN provided many resources for first-time foster homes and they had some good advice about slow intros. Henry’s first impression: he hated Emmett. They barked and growled at each other, and lived in separate rooms. It was an accident that brought them together — somehow one of them managed to muscle his way past the door while the other was in the backyard. Luckily, enough time had passed that they started to play.

It wasn’t too long before they were cuddling and wrestling together. It became pretty clear that Henry wanted to keep him, and that was that. Now I can’t imagine life without Emmett. He just fits with our little pack, and nothing makes me happier than seeing those two playing together or licking each other’s faces. They so obviously love each other.

For the record, we went on to foster a lovely Boston/pug mix, and he went on to a very loving home, so I’m no longer worried that fostering means adopting every dog that comes through the door!

If you’ve considered fostering, I highly recommend it. If your family loves animals but is not ready for the full commitment of a ownership, foster. If you are ready for a dog, foster. It’s a great way to try out a dog and see how it fits into your family. If that particular dog isn’t going to work, it’ll go on to a forever home. Volunteering for rescue is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and Henry and Emmett too! I love that chunky meatball!

Have questions about fostering? Or want to apply? Visit the Foster section of our website.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Rescues working together

November 15, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Sasha working with Missy, one of our adoptable dogs.

The Edmonton Humane Society has generously offered their Dog Behaviour and Training Methodology course for free to one volunteer from each of the dog rescues in Edmonton. Sasha, one of our co-founders, will be taking the course, which should help us to better assess our intakes and correct behaviours. Thanks EHS!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Missy is in the news!

November 15, 2014 by Spencer Mortenson ·

CTV news helped us out by doing a short story on Missy last night. Missy has been looking for a home for years now, but has been unsuccessful because she can only go to a home with no other pets.

http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=492005&binId=1.1717076&playlistPageNum=1

Please share her story, or, if you think you might be the one for Missy, view her profile and apply to adopt!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·