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.

Featured Volunteer – Jacqueline Zohar

April 14, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

What kind of rescue would we be without a crazy cat lady???

Not a proper one, that’s for sure!

That’s why we have Jacqueline! She’s crazy in all the right ways, a proud lover of all things feline and an integral member of the Zoe’s family.

Can you tell us a little about your background before you became a volunteer?
I was born and raised in Edmonton and have an undergraduate degree in psychology. I worked for about 20 years in health, administrative and accounting positions and have also been volunteering for a variety of animal charities throughout my life. I now only work casually so I have much more time to devote to doing what I truly love, which is volunteering at Zoe’s with my amazing husband.

How did you first get involved with Zoe’s?
After my cat of 21 years passed away, I decided that I needed to foster, rather than jump into adopting another fur baby. Zoe’s was recommended to me by a friend and after checking out their website, I was hooked.

What roles have you carried out for the society?
I have fostered over 30 cats/kittens, I process cat adoption applications, maintain our animal and volunteer database, help with our SaNeR (spay-neuter-return) program by trapping feral cats and transporting dogs and cats to/from our partner communities, help with medical bookings, co-ordinate our donation box program and help with fundraising events and website support.

How long have you volunteered for Zoe’s?
Just over a year now.

What types of things have you been involved in as a volunteer?
Such a variety of things that it’s really hard to describe! I’m interested in so many areas so it’s been great for me because I get to do a little bit of everything. Building straw dog shelters was an incredible experience for me and helping out at fundraising and adoption events is always so much fun!

What’s been your funniest experience as a volunteer?
I spend a lot of my time with another volunteer, Jan, and we are ALWAYS laughing on our treks around the city. Whether it’s spending 6 hours trying to trap a “feral” cat, only to have a local resident walk right up to the cat and scoop it up with no issues at all, or driving around trying desperately to find a late night dog wash after an incident with explosive diarrhea, we are never bored! I will also never forget the look on one dogs face after I caught her with half of my just-purchased scone hanging out of her mouth!

What do you like most about volunteering?
The difference I feel that we are all making. One animal at a time. The people are pretty awesome too!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering for Zoe’s?
Do it! I have NEVER been happier in my life. The support and friendships I’ve made are simply amazing. The best part is that you can commit to volunteering as much or as little as you want. Volunteer to transport an animal or pick up a donation once a month, help make reference calls or home checks whenever you happen to be available. Foster a dog or cat, help out with fundraising and adoption events or help out with social media. There are so many areas where you can help make a difference and it is SO rewarding.

How much time do you spend volunteering?
A lot, lol, but only because I love it so much.

Do you volunteer for any other organizations?
I used to volunteer for the Edmonton Humane Society and I currently volunteer, very casually, for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.

What makes you happy?
Cats, my husband, friends, coffee and naps are what I normally say, but honestly the most incredible feeling in the world for me is helping to save cats and dogs and finding them forever homes. Cuddling with kittens and puppies is a pretty great thing too!

What makes you sad?
When we lose an animal that we have tried so hard to save. But the fact that Zoe’s NEVER gives up without a fight, regardless of the medical costs, makes me so proud at the same time.

Thanks SO much for all that you do, Jacqueline! We are so lucky to have you!

Interested in joining our family? Get more information and apply here.

All Fun and Games at Variant Edition…

April 12, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Some might say it’s a risk to have a fundraiser at a local comic store although it’s worth pointing out that 50/50 draws and garage sales don’t have the monopoly on raising much needed funds for looking after, guess who, yes – the numerous fosters Zoe’s has in its care! So in our not-so-trivial pursuit for extra dollars, we headed to Edmonton’s numero-uno comic store, Variant Edition to, amongst other things, connect four or five foster cats together to join in the fun! Anyway, I’m sorry, I’ll allay you’re frustration and stop this pandemic of wordplay now!

The sold-out table-top games event took place on Sunday 10th April at Variant Edition on 10441 123 St. Guests of honour were Harrison, Faith Hill, Lala, Starbrite, and Digger, five of our cute and cuddly cats currently looking for their forever homes. As you’d expect, trying to play a verity of board games while five curious cats run amok isn’t the easiest of tasks. Indeed, some of the players had to play standing up as the pussies stole some much needed nap time, and the chairs from under the posteriors of the players. It was very much a cats against humanity situation!

Events like these are absolutely key in raising funds that Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society can then spend on helping disadvantaged cats and dogs find the warm and loving forever homes they so richly deserve. If you’re interested in supporting any of our future events, please follow this link to our events calendar for details of our forthcoming fundraisers Zoe’s Events. It’s a no-cranium-er! I’ll stop now…

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Foster of the Week: Darcy

April 10, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Good day, my name is Darcy, and if I may be so forward, I am a most eligible cat. I like following my foster humans around, and am always up for an ear massage or belly rub. Although I do drool on occasion, I am otherwise a perfect gentleman.

…Well, I am a perfect gentleman with the humans. It’s been said that I’m not fond of other animals. There are two dogs in my home, though I don’t interact with them much: I stay in my bachelor room, and only poke my feet beneath the door to get them into trouble from time to time.

My foster humans think I am terribly handsome, and I condescend to have my portrait taken on a regular basis. I am even such a good sport as to wear collars.

Sometimes my foster humans do get a little carried away. Would you say this is a true likeness?

However, I love the attention. Even when I’m not actively cuddling, I like to sit nearby and watch the people. I would make an excellent muse for an artist or writer. Or even a professional cat massager. That would be splendid. To apply, first visit my profile. I look forward to making your acquaintance.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

It’s National Volunteer Week!

April 10, 2016 by Iris Rohr ·

Did you hear? April 10th-16th is National Volunteer Week, a time where we celebrate volunteers and their dedication to community, causes, people, and pets!

For all of your continued efforts to find us housing, food, medical care, for every blog post written, pet profile updated, photograph taken…

To all of our volunteers at Zoe’s Animal Rescue, THANK YOU!

This past year, you’ve helped us save countless lives. You’ve helped us fundraise events, connect pets with their new forever homes, and helped us achieve goals like being listed as ATBs Top Charity of 2015.

Zoe’s is 100% volunteer run. We have a media team, a fundraising team, a homecheck team, a cat team, a dog team; our number of volunteers has doubled over the last year. Thank you for all of your hard work. We’ve accomplished so much and will continue to set our goals high. To our volunteers: we think you’re the cat’s meow!!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

April Caption Contest!

April 4, 2016 by Iris Rohr ·

Caption this picture for a chance to win a rope toy with rubber, donated by Petsmart at Skyview Centre, located at 13916 137ave.

Submit your caption by commenting below, or via instagram, facebook, or twitter, with the hashtag #ZARSCaptionMe

We’ll be in touch with the winner at the end of the month! Each month, we’ll provide a new picture in need of a caption, so keep tuning in!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Foster of the Week: Howard Stern

March 27, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

*Paging Dr. Howard! Paging Dr. Howard!*
We have a foster mom down with the sickness.
I repeat: Foster mom is down with the sickness!
The only cure is…………PUPPY SNUGGLES!!!!!
(The crowd erupts in laughter and awes!!)

Hahahahahaha!! I’m such a funny guy!!

I’m not REALLY a doctor. (That was a pretty convincing impersonation though, wasn’t it?!) But if I was, I’d definitely be DOGtor McDreamy.

He’s a bum man, right? I’m bum man.

I like attention. If I’m not getting yours when I want it, I’ll let you know. With a little nip on the bum.

Hee hee hee…..

My foster parents call me “How How” and say I’m more like Scooby Doo than my namesake. Maybe I’ll grow to be Howard Stern-ish, but right now, I’m a big ol’ goofball of love. I like to be near you. Really I prefer to be ON you, but I’ll settle for following you around the house and showering you with kisses whenever I can. I’m all about the cuddles too. My foster mom really is sick right now and I just want to be close to her. I may not be a ‘real’ doctor, but I know puppy snuggles are a cure-all.

When I’m not shadowing you or cuddling, I am playing!! My foster brother is a great playmate! I don’t have an ‘off’ button though, so my Puggle-bro has to let me know when he’s had enough. I’m good about giving him a break and finding a toy to play with. Or a sock. Oh, man… those socks! Entertaining for hours! I’m growing every day and have no idea how to control these giant paws and gangly legs of mine. I’m constantly bumping my head too. It didn’t stick out that far yesterday!! Silly head….

As goofy as I am, I have learned so much since coming to my foster home. My foster parents are so great, have been so patient and worked so hard. When I first came here, I was scared of doors and stairs and didn’t know any commands. I still have a lot to learn and work on, but I’m handling stairs and doors like a champ! I’ve learned a few commands, too. Although I’m pretty easily distracted……

WHOA! What was that?!?! DID YOU SEE THAT?!?!

That was pretty crazy, man. Right outta nowhere!

What was I saying??

Oh, yeah! You look like you need a friend! Go check out my profile and apply to adopt me!

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

Easter Pet Safety Tips

March 25, 2016 by Iris Rohr ·

Easter is one of my favourite holidays. Between the chocolate, the bright spring colours, the chocolate, the cute little ducks and bunnies on everything, and the chocolate, I can’t imagine a more perfect time of the year!

Unfortunately, Easter is also a time in the year when vets and poison control helplines see a rise in calls due to pets ingesting harmful substances.

Here are a few quick pet tips to keep your furry loved ones safe this Easter:

Easter lillies are highly toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause severe kidney failure. If you think your pet may have ingested Easter lillies, take them to an emergency vet right away. Early symptoms may include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration, with other symptoms such as disorientation, staggering and seizures later on.
A number of other flowers and plants can also be toxic and deadly to pets, so be sure to keep Fluffy and Fido away from floral arrangements and table displays. In case of emergency, the Alberta Poison Control Centre can be reached by contacting: (403) 944-1414.
Chocolate can be a hazard to pets as well. Be sure to keep your pet out of the easter basket and clean up any stray chocolate eggs the kids haven’t found.
Candies and gum can also be a hazard, especially to dogs. They often contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can lead to a drop in blood sugar, causing seizures and comas.
Easter grass is often used in baskets and as decoration. My cats especially find this plastic string to be irresistible, however, it can clog intestines and cause vomiting and diarrhea, so be sure to clean up and remove any Easter grass you may have left out.
Plastic eggs and toys can also be accidentally ingested, especially by dogs, so keep them out of reach.
Lastly, the best course of action may be keeping your pets out of the kitchen over the holidays. Things like uncooked dough, fatty meats, salty foods, etc – are all very unhealthy for your pet. Instead of feeding them table scraps, consider keeping pet-friendly treats in the house.

Zoe’s Animal Rescue wishes you a safe and happy Easter, for you and your whole family!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Get Dirty for Zoe’s

March 24, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

It’s that time of year…..time for Zoe’s Annual Compost Sale!

From now until May 1, we are pre-selling bags of organic compost from Cleanit Greenit Composting System Inc.

Money raised from our fundraisers help us save animals like Maxie, who is recovering from Parvo (among other health concerns) and enable us to bring in mamas and their litters:

[fb-post href=https://www.facebook.com/Zoesanimalrescue/photos/a.131756630300435.28048.127062124103219/673992449410181/?type=3&theater]

Email [email protected] for more information or to place your order.

Thank you for your continued support!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: Compost, fundraiser

Don’t Freak Out!

March 23, 2016 by Amanda Jean ·

Tips for Overcoming Separation Anxiety

When an owner leaves the home, or sometimes even just a room, dogs can become extremely stressed out. This can include symptoms such as barking, whining, excessive salivation, scratching at walls, destroying stuff or even attempting an escape from the room or crate. Have you ever wondered why this happens? This is what is known as separation anxiety, and we hope the below tips can help you and your furry buddy! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: anxiety, blog, dogs, help, separation, tips, zoes

Foster of the Week: Princess Peach

March 21, 2016 by Spencer Mortenson ·

Oh, hullo!

Her Royal Highness, Princess Peach (that’s me!!) is pleased to make your acquaintance. How do you do?

I do just fine, thank you very much. Especially now that I am sovereign ruler of Zoe’s Animal Rescue. (I don’t know if they know I have taken command. I think a quiet ruler is a good ruler, so I’m going to keep my royal status tucked under my collar.)

I arrived at Zoe’s with three tiny felines bearing my royal bloodline. After properly grooming my children to rule their own monarchy, I relocated to a sprawling castle called Rabbit Hill Pet Valu. You, my loyal subjects, may visit during appropriate hours. (A foreword: please do not confuse my caution with snobbery. I am a tad shy, but not cold. Give me a moment to warm up and I promise I am a most welcoming princess.)

I am often asked how I feel about others: other cats, dogs, small people. I’m not in a position to say at this moment. However I am a young princess; I feel I could adapt to just about any situation, with appropriate introductions and patience, of course. I can tell you that while I am a most proper princess, I do enjoy a fun romp every now and again. When I have had enough play, I quite enjoy a good snuggle. I like to think I am warm-hearted for a monarch.

The staff at castle Rabbit Hill Pet Valu have proven most accommodating, nevertheless I fancy a permanent castle to call my own.

Should you feel your abode be suitable for a lovely and affectionate young princess such as myself, do submit an application post haste.

Farewell for now!

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