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.

Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the Ironhead

May 18, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Golf season is in full swing! What better way to work on your wedge or perfect your putt than by playing 18 holes in the Paul Band First Nation Gold Tournament Fundraiser! Whether you are a pro golfer, hobbyist or an animal lover, you will love the 6, 835 yards of luscious greens situated right beside the sunny shores of Lake Wabamun.

Your entry fee will cover registration of a four person team, golf cart rental, green fees and delicious steak dinner. PLUS chances to win many fabulous prizes – the first place team takes home a cash prize of $2000!!

Proceeds from this event will go towards the ASNTF Spay and Neuter Clinic scheduled for the end of June. Spay and Neuter Clinics have a tremendous impact on the communities that host them as well as providing much needed veterinary care to hundreds of animals.

Email Precilla Gully at [email protected] to register!

FORE!!!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: Events, fundraiser, Spay and Neuter

Foster of the Week: Jamba Juice

May 17, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Miniature Schnauzer??

Pft!

I am NOT miniature. What are these people talking about?? I mean, I guess I’m a little short, but miniature? Not a chance.

You know what else I take issue with? My foster mom saying I have a “little attitude.” Double pft!! I don’t have an attitude, I have PERSONALITY. And not the fake Cheez Whiz kind of personality; I am authentically amazing. And seriously sweet – that’s one thing my foster mom and I agree on. I love snuggly cuddles!

I’m feeling so much better these days, huge thanks to Zoe’s! When Zoe’s rescued me I had uncontrolled diabetes, they said my blood sugar was in the thirties when it should have been in the single digits. I was kind of a mess. But now I get insulin shots twice a day and I’m on special food. I’m also on medication to help with Cushing’s Disease, but that’s just one pill a day. And I’m blind. Cataracts from my diabetes being untreated for so long. But that’s it! I promise! Other than the diabetes, the Cushing’s and the blindness, I’m AWESOME! Haha!

That sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? It’s not really. And my foster mom says I’m totally worth it. Which I am, obviously.

I don’t let any of my medical issues get in the way of my awesomeness. In fact, I think it gives me some advantages. Like making one of my foster siblings my personal seeing eye dog. I didn’t even need to get on a wait list for that! I also made up a fun game with squeaky toys. They are my favourite, I like to throw them and then try to figure out where they ended up. Sighted dogs can’t play that game. Cause they can SEE where the toy went! (Ba dum bum CHING!)

No way am I letting a few medical issues hold me down! And now that they are all under control, I’m ready to find my forever home. My biggest request is patience and dedication. I need people who will be patient with me while I learn to adjust to my new surroundings and I need dedicated people who will continue with my medical needs. And I need snuggly people! Non-snugglers need not apply.

If your couch has empty spot, lemme fill it for you! Head on over to my bio to find out more information and apply to adopt me!

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

Foster of the Week: Heather Willow

May 9, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hello, I’m Heather Willow. Pleased to meet you.

Would you like to settle in for a cup of tea while I tell you a little about myself?

I can’t remember exactly where I came from, but I do know I ended up here. Last summer, my wanderings landed me at a house. The people who lived in the house were very sweet, offering me food, water, and a safe place to sleep. So I stuck around for a while. Who wouldn’t, right? The people figured I had to have a family somewhere, so they took me to Animal Care & Control to try to find my people. Unfortunately no one claimed me and I wasn’t chipped or tattooed; there was no way to find out if I did indeed have a family.

I stayed at the shelter for a short while, but I was very anxious and uncomfortable. Some cats just aren’t made for shelter life. Thankfully Zoe’s found a foster home for me quite quickly. I was still very scared and timid, but not nearly as much as I was in the shelter. And here I have been for the last few months.

Living permanently indoors isn’t so bad. I’m still quiet, a bit shy and calm, but I don’t hide or jump at every noise anymore. In fact, now that I’ve settled in, I can be quite playful! My foster mom has a laser pointer that I just LOVE to chase around. She sets up a sort of obstacle course full of noisy toys and makes me run into them while chasing the red laser dot. It’s so much fun!!

There are two senior cats in my foster home, we get along great! We are really good at snoozing together. We play sometimes too, but those community cat naps are the bees knees! I’d really like to have another cat or two in my forever home. I like my cat friends like I like my forever home: calm and relaxed.

Maybe your home is the right home for me? Check out more about me and apply to adopt me here!

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

Joan Rivers Meets Dave Ozubko #RealtortotheRescue

May 4, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

At our recent adoption event, Dave Ozubko stopped by to meet Joan Rivers.

Check out his video with a bit of her story:

[fb-post href=https://www.facebook.com/Dave.Ozubko/posts/10205135552342014]

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Monthly Caption Me Contest!

May 3, 2016 by Iris Rohr ·

Congratulations to our caption contest winner, Tracey Tingey! The prize was a rope toy from Petsmart at Skyview Centre! You can pick it up at their location, 13916 137 ave. in Edmonton.

Tracey won April’s Caption Me contest with the following caption:

“Chi Chi nervously awaits her part of the karaoke duet, grateful that Cholo agreed to take the high notes”

May’s Caption Me is below:

The photo above features Peep Palooza, a one-eyed Zoe’s kitten who is currently pending adoption.

The prize for the winner of May’s Caption Me contest, will receive 2 free days of boarding at Better Than Home Boarding, located at Range Rd 213, Sherwood Park, AB T8G 1B5. Caption Me contest closes at midnight on May 31st. We accept all entries via twitter, email, and facebook.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Foster of the Week: Willow

May 2, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Willow here!

I’m back for my second feature as Foster of the Week because I have so much to update you with!

I have been living at the most AMAZING foster home. Big open spaces, tons of time outside, laying in the grass and enjoying gorgeous sunsets…. My foster mom is a dream come true. She has been working so patiently hard to help me overcome my issues. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but this girl has been learning LOTS.

I have a lot of anxiety around other dogs. I get scared and don’t react in the most lady-like manner. But I am slowly learning that other dogs are ok, they aren’t going to hurt me. When I see the other dogs through the fence, I don’t defensively growl anymore. I actually get a bit excited, bark a little and wiggle my bum. My foster mom says this is great progress and one day I might even get to play with the other dogs! Until then, we are working on calming techniques and reinforcing that the other dogs won’t hurt me.

I still LOVE walks as much as ever, I literally JUMP for joy when I hear my leash jangling. However my fear and anxiety shouts out if I encounter another dog while on a walk. Still a work in progress…. There’s a quiet gravel road here, that’s my favourite place to stroll. I’ve also been doing a lot of treadmill walking, I’m kind of a treadmill pro….

My foster mom spends tons of one-on-one time with me, it’s been wonderful for my confidence and anxiety. We do target play and muzzle training, I’m starting to understand – and enjoy – praise and treats. My forever home must be willing to continue my training. It will help us bond as well as keep me mentally healthy. It can also be fun!! I’m learning that, too!

My foster mom helped me discover that I very much enjoy having a crate. It’s my safe space – a MUST MUST MUST for nervous and anxious dogs like myself. I have some cozy blankets arranged for optimum comfort and snoozability. My foster mom doesn’t put me in my crate when she goes out, I do just fine! Sometimes I will wander in on my own for a nap.

I’ve always been a pretty awesome gal: well-behaved, excellent on a leash, great with children (I *really* like kids, actually), energetic, happy and full of love. I just have some fears and anxiety. Don’t we all? I’m working hard to become more balanced and better able to manage my fears. I’m ready to try this forever home thing again.

If you’re looking for a sweetheart of a gal for long walks and lazy days enjoying nature, hit me up!!

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

Foster of the Week: Sedona

April 24, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

You know it’s hard out here for a cat
When she’s trying to find a space she can rent
Cause my owners said enough time’s been spent
Aint’ no trouble, I’ll find pad where I can sit.

Sorry, I just Netflix’d Hustle & Flow. Sometimes I get a little too involved in my shows.

I’m Sedona. A few months ago Zoe’s found me wandering stray. They took me in, found my chip, and contacted my owners. But they didn’t want me back. Harsh, right? No bother, I’ll find another warm lap where I can Netflix and chill!

That’s my favourite way to spend a day: cuddled up with a human, purrrrrfectly absorbed in good television. I’m also a big fan of heating pad naps with a musical accompaniment. Rough life, eh? Everyone should be so lucky to spend some time as a cat. Or at least with a cat.

Lucky for you, I’m available and willing to be the cat you live vicariously through. We can cuddle and conquer the screen world, one series at a time.

But, um, no dogs please. Those wild oafs scare the bejeepers out of me. I have mixed feelings towards other cats. Not a huge fan, but I could maybe warm up to the right cat under the right circumstances.

I’m pretty easy-going otherwise; a low-key love bug looking for a home who can keep me well-fed, well-cuddled and up-to-date on the small and silver screens. Doesn’t even have to be Netflix. Shomi, Crave, regular ol’ cable…I’m not fussy. (My foster mom will probably suggest a low-cal food, pay her no attention. None. Nada. Nope.)

I bet there’s a spot on your couch perfect for me. Hurry! The new season of Game of Thrones is starting!!

Apply to adopt me!

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

Our foster training session with K9 Misfits

April 23, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

We were very fortunate to through the generosity of one of our amazing volunteers to have an information session with Bilinda Wagner, a local positive reinforcement trainer with K9 Misfits. The session was helpful not only for our current canines in care, but also our volunteer fosters, who can use techniques for our future rescue dogs.

Adoptable dog attendees included Willow, Bella, Howard Stern, and our blind special needs puppy Monkey Fudge.

Bilinda and the other behaviour consultants at K9 Misfits have lots of hands on experience with abandoned, feral, and owned animals.

“We and pride ourselves in becoming invested in the long term life of animals that do not live with us,” says Bilinda. “My goal is to have you understand the animal that you have and provide you with the best tools to help you to succeed and grow.”

The two hour information session turned into four hours of learning, where the attendees had quite a few ‘a-ha moments.’ Bilinda discussed topics such as:

• The importance of teaching basic commands to build deference, create consistency, and make your dog feel more comfortable
• Recognizing stress releasing signals
• How to be more “exciting” to keep your dog’s attention
• Tools to help your dog learn

And of course, our foster dogs and volunteers wasted no time in putting the techniques to the test. “All you need to do is have some basic understanding and commit to spending the time it takes to modify or change behaviour,” explains Bilinda. “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

The session even included instruction on giving a dog massage (our fosters have it good!) But massage isn’t just about pampering. “This is a great way to build a bond and relax at the same time.”
All of the participants — human and canine! – left exhausted, but with more understanding of dog communication and behaviour.

“This is why I love doing what I do. We all deserve to learn how to be treated and to make life as stress-free as possible.”

Many thanks to Bilinda and K9 Misfits!

If you’re interested in joining the Zoe’s Team as a volunteer or foster, read more here.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: dog training, foster dogs, non-aversive training, positive training

Foster of the Week: Rosa

April 18, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Hi, I’m Rosa.

This is kinda hard for me.

I’m shy.

I’m from a rural community and lived almost entirely outdoors, so being taken in by Zoe’s and living indoors in my foster home was a BIG change. It’s hard to be yourself in such new and unfamiliar territory. I’m still learning and getting used to my new life, but I’ve come SO far in the months I’ve been in my foster home – thanks to my incredibly loving and patient foster parents. I think I’m ready to find my forever home.

I have some requirements though.

I know that sounds daunting, but I’ve worked so hard to become the lady I am today and I want to be a fine wine. You know, the kind that gets better with age.

One of the first things my foster parents set up for me was my crate. Some dogs don’t like crates, but I LOVE mine. It’s my safe space. I will need a crate in my forever home, a place to call my own, a place that I can go to feel safe when I need. I definitely won’t snub a big fluffy bed to snooze on, but I need to know I can retreat to my crate if I feel I need some quiet alone time. I am as intelligent as I am beautiful and need a family who will continue with my training. I’ve done remarkably well with clicker training and would excel in classes with you. I promise it will be fun and help us bond while helping me continue to grow and flourish. Be sure to map out Timmies locations on our route to class because I know car rides = Timbits.

Speaking of food….I love it. My foster mom says I should have been named “Hoover” because of how fast I inhale my food. Pft! Rosa is prettier. I do love food though, she’s not wrong there. Treats are the way to my heart (and a way for you to acquire a shadow in the form of a gorgeous brown haired gal.) Bully sticks are my absolute favourite treat; I also love plain Cheerios. I’m watching my girlish figure and they’re low fat while still being very tasty. (Shout out to the person who said I have a small head because my body is so big. How rude!)

After food, my favourite thing is playing with other dogs. I’d like to have at least one in my forever home. Not only do siblings make great friends and playmates, they are also great role models for indoor living. And great adventure buddies! I love adventures! Since I grew up outdoors, I’m very comfortable being outside. I’ve learned how leashes work and very much enjoy long walks. I also like to pretend I am “Rosa: Vicious Bug Hunter Extraordinaire.” My foster mom thinks it’s hilarious, the way I stalk the bugs and leap into the air to catch them. What can I say? It’s fun!

If my perfect home sounds like your home, check out my profile and apply to adopt me!

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

To roam or not to roam.

April 17, 2016 by Holly Foisy ·

ZARS has a policy that cats must be indoor only. If allowed outside, they must be on a harness/leash or in a cat enclosure. Why? For their safety. Due this policy we do not adopt out to outdoor or indoor/outdoor homes for cats. Though we have a barn program that is currently in the works for feral cats. We will be looking for barn homes that have a heated barn/garage, provide vetting and food. Stay tuned for more updates on our barn program but all non-semi feral cats/kittens must be indoor only.

There are many dangers out there for cats who roam.

Things like:

Heavy traffic or any traffic is a serious danger to cats. On average hundreds of cats if not thousands get run over every year in and around Edmonton sadly, most will not make it.

Attacked by other animals such as dogs and coyotes. Cat fights can lead to serious infections and even death.

Poison, such as antifreeze, pesticides/herbicides, trash, poisonous plants and some people view cats as vermin and will poison them to get rid of these pests.

People can and will keep friendly cats, even if they have a collar. Some people have also been known to trap and dump cats outside the city or as far away as possible. People can be very dangerous to cats as they can hurt them or even kill them.

If your cat gets lost, there is a chance you will never find your beloved pet.

It is also against the law to allow your cat to be at large. If your cat is brought to the ACC it is a $100 fine plus $25 for intake then $15/day kennel fee after the first day. If any vetting is needed you’d be required to pay that as well to get your cat out. If your cat is not licensed it is a $250 fine.

How to prevent roaming:

Get your cats fixed, this is so important. Unfixed cats have a huge need to get out and roam. They generally will not stay in the area either as their mind is not on food but on finding a mate. Not fixed males can sire hundreds of litters in their lifetime who unfortunately most won’t make it on the streets. If you are low-income you can fill out an application for being apart of the PALS program, or contact various vets for pricing. Edmonton west animal hospital and West Edmonton spay and neuter clinic have great prices. Even if your cat is indoor only they will still try to escape to breed.

Build a cat enclosure or put up cat fencing to prevent your cat from getting out of the yard.

Environment enrichment is important to cats, a bored cat will find ways to amuse themselves. Getting various cat toys, cat trees, scratching posts, cat tunnels and even hiding treats around the house can help your bored cat from wanting to escape.

Take your cat outside on a harness/leash, some cats will even go for walks. T-Shirt harness types are great and make sure you have their collar and tags on just in case.

Train them not to door dart. This website has some tips to help that: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/door-darting/

Unfortunately, the city is far too dangerous to let your cat roam, cats don’t need to roam to feel enriched. Indoor cats can live to be over 20 years old while outdoor cats on average live 5-8 years. By keeping your cat indoors you not only double their life span but increase their quality of life as they have less of a chance of injuries, diseases and parasites. Keep your cat safe by not allowing them to roam the streets.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·