Beware of Chocolate! PetFolio Dog Lovers' Warning!

It is our responsibility to keep our pets safe.

Protect your dogs from dog chocolate poisoning.

Occasional treats are okay, but keep your dog away from candy bars. 

Dog chocolate poisoning is not as uncommon as you might think.  Accidental dog chocolate poisoning increases every Valentine's Day.

But by paying close attention, you can keep your dog out of harm’s way and celebrate a happy candy holiday.

Once some dogs have tasted chocolate, they like it and want more.  And for most dogs, that's a very bad idea.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean.

Theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as the heart muscle.

While amounts vary by type of chocolate, it's the theobromine that is seriously poisonous to dogs.

Some dog poisoning symptoms within the first few hours includes: vomiting, diarrhea, and/or hyperactivity.

As time passes and there's increased absorption of the toxic substance, you'll see an increase in the dog's heart rate, which can cause arrhythmia, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination or excessive panting.  Then the chocolate poisoning in dog can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and even death.

"How much is too much" depends on a few things.

The health and age of your dog must be considered. Obviously if your dog is aged and not in top shape, his reaction to a chocolate candy bar is going to be different from a young healthy dog of the same weight.

Of course the bigger the dog, the more chocolate before it becomes a lethal dose. Small dogs can be poisoned, it is easy to understand, from smaller amounts of theobromine than large dogs.

Another fact that must be considered is this: Not all chocolate is the same. Some have a small amount of theobromine; another type has a large amount and still another contains an amount that is somewhere in between.

Dog chocolate poisoning facts:

Milk Chocolate: 1 ounce per pound of body weight.

Approximately one pound of milk chocolate is poisonous to a 20-pound dog; one-half pound for a 10-pound dog. The average chocolate bar contains 2 to 3 ounces of milk chocolate. It would take 2-3 candy bars to poison a 10 pound dog. Semi-sweet chocolate has a similar toxic level.

Sweet Cocoa: 0.3 ounces per pound of body weight.

One-third of a pound of sweet cocoa is toxic to a 20-pound dog; 1/6 pound for a 10-pound dog.

Baking Chocolate: 0.1 ounce per pound body weight.

Two one-ounce squares of bakers' chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one ounce for a 10-pound dog.

These are guidelines, however, serious non-fatal dog chocolate poisoning has been reported in dogs after eating smaller amounts.

Dog-proof your home to keep your dog safe. Milk chocolate should never be given to your pet and it should be kept well out of reach. Unsweetened baking chocolate should be kept in closed containers in upper, latched cupboards.

If your dog eats potentially dangerous amounts of chocolate and you know that it was within two hours, vomiting can be induced to remove the poison.

If longer than two hours has passed, your dog will need to be seen by your veterinarian and treated ASAP.

Other Resources:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dogs-and-chocolate.html

http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM

PetFolio Readers Alert! Comment on Proposed New City Animal Ordinances

Your Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Animal Ordinances 
for Washoe County, Online or In Person

 

Washoe County Regional Animal Services is inviting the public to comment on proposed changes to existing county ordinances that govern how they ensure public safety and animal protection in our community. 

 

As volunteers and supporters of Nevada Humane Society, your opinion will be especially valuable in ensuring that we get the best possible results for the animals of our community.

The specific changes involve several categories including: dangerous dogs, exotic animal permits, dog variance permits, kennel and cattery permits, animal control officer powers and duties, found animals, animal cruelty, tethering, dog licensing, redemption of impounded animals, definitions and miscellaneous modifications and civil penalties. 

 

Review the Proposed Ordinance Changes:

You can read the full proposed ordinance text online at www.washoecounty.us/animal. Both the original draft language version and the draft with tracked changes (based on public input) are available.

 

Or, if you prefer, you can read a summary of the changes on the WCRAS website,http://www.washoecounty.us/repository/files/44/Animal%20Ordinance%20Changes%20Fast%20Facts%20(3).doc.

Comment on the Changes:

To make it convenient for you, the County is offering multiple ways to comment:

1. Comment online now at http://www.washoecounty.us/index/feedback.html. (You only have until February 11 for online comments.)
2. Attend a public workshop on the proposed animal regulation changes (including the civil penalty process) on February 1^st at 5:30 pm or February 11^th at 1:00 pm. Both workshops will be held in the Washoe County Health District conference room located at 1001 9^th Street (County Offices, Building B/C).
3. Attend one of the two public readings of the proposed animal regulation changes (including the civil penalty process) at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 8 or March 22. Please check the county’s website for approximate time.

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

 

 

PetFolio Readers Alert! Pet Owner Needed for Sweet Boxer

Meet Daisy!

She Needs Her New Home

Adopted from the SPCA about three years ago, I have enjoyed a good life. Although I was at the pound originally and was about to be euthanized, I was lucky to be rescued by a worker and brought to the SPCA. 


Now I am a companion dog for sure. 


It took me about six weeks to bark or to make any sound at when I came from the SPCA. Small places scared me and men scare me, too. 


I probably shouldn't be with other dogs or cats. I go into protection mode and will do everything I can to protect those I love. 


That's another thing, I am wonderful with people I am familiar with. And, I am  always super happy to meet new people as long as you are by my side. However, I do know when I don't know someone, and if they are trying to get in our house, I'll be sure and alert you!


So, I am a lovable, adorable mix breed (boxer and something else.) 

But no matter what breed you call me, whatever it is, it has made me super cute!  Now, do you want to meet me?  


Call Cyrstal at 775-219-9494.  


Help Daisy right now!

PetFolio Readers Are Invited! One of the most Uplifting and Amazing Events of 2011

We just wanted to pass on an invitation to an event that promises to be one of the most uplifting and amazing events of the year.  It reunites a soldier and his dog after his 14 month tour of duty!  See your invitation, below.

Sugarland Ranch (a fabulous non-profit in our area) provided boarding for the dog (Hunter) while Lt. Shaw served our country.

  

Molly! A true Story of An Incredible Horse with An Unstoppable Will to Live

Molly Is Incredible

A Survivor of Hurricane Katrina

Meet Molly. She's a grey speckled pony who
was abandoned by her owners when Hurricane
Katrina hit southern Louisiana . She spent weeks
on her own before finally being rescued and taken
to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled.
While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier
and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became
infected, and her vet went to LSU for help, but
LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare
case. You know how that goes.
But after surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly,he changed his mind.He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on differentsides so she didn't seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her.She protected her injured leg.
She constantly shifted her weight and didn't overload her good leg.
She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.

Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee,
and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly
walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there.

'This was the right horse and the right owner,'
Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient.
She's tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain.
She made it obvious she understood that she was
in trouble. The other important factor, according
to Moore, is having a truly committed and compliant
owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care
required over the lifetime of the horse.

Molly's story turns into a parable for life in Post-Katrina Louisiana ..
The little pony gained weight, and her mane finally felt a comb.
A human prosthesis designer built her a leg.

The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life,
Allison Barca DVM, Molly's regular vet, reports.

And she asks for it. She will put her little limb out,
and come to you and let you know that she wants
you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take
it off too. And sometimes, Molly gets away from
Barca. 'It can be pretty bad when you can't catch
a three-legged horse,' she laughs.

Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay,
the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to
shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation
centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed
hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people
her pluck. She inspired people, and she had a
good time doing it.

'It's obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to
play in life, Moore said. She survived the hurricane,
she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving
hope to others.' Barca concluded, 'She's not back to normal,
but she's going to be better. To me, she could be a
symbol for New Orleans itself.'


This is Molly's most recent prosthesis. The bottom
photo shows the ground surface that she stands on,
which has a smiley face embossed in it. Wherever
Molly goes, she leaves a smiley hoof print behind.


God's creatures often reflect the character we aspire to.

Spring Cleaning Helps Our Community--PetFolio Readers Assist Animals!

Dear Pet Lovers and PetFolio Readers:

Time to check your linen closets and storage areas for spare towels and blankets.

Nevada Humane Society (NHS) is in need again…or still.

As a no kill shelter and the economy as it is, more and more pets are being surrendered or abandoned.  Washoe County (WC) and NHS takes responsibility for their fragile existence until forever homes can be found.

Please check your storage areas and linen closets for towels and blankets as all pets need snuggly beds & blankies like we did as youngsters.

This is a great community service project for any kind of area youth group or adult civic organization or even your office.

Everyone has old towels and blankets not being used.

It seems simple, but is greatly appreciated by four-footed creatures who can not say thanks, so we will!

NHS will send a receipt if you need one or you can drop off at the Regional Animal Center at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno.

WC opens at 10am. 

NHS opens at 11am.

PetFolio Readers Take Note! Bad Teeth Common in Dogs!

Healthy Teeth = Happy Pets

ORAL DISEASE IS THE MOST COMMON HEALTH PROBLEM 

FOR PETS:

v  Affects about 80% of dogs and 75% of cats, by the age of 3

v  Can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss

v  Can cause kidney, liver, lung, and heart problems

COMMON SIGNS OF ORAL DISEASE:

v  Yellow-brown tartar near gum line

v  Red, swollen or bleeding gums

v  Persistent bad breath

v  Abnormal drooling

v  Pawing at the mouth

v  Loose or missing teeth

v  Difficulty eating or loss of appetite

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!  Here at Alpine Veterinary Hospital, we are offering a 10% Discount if you schedule your pet's dental procedure during the month of February!  This is a great opportunity to ensure your pet's overall health by helping to prevent oral issues in the future.

Please call TODAY (775) 853-0909 to schedule an appointment.  For more information, feel free to visit our website.

Hooah! PetFolio Readers to Attend Reunion of a Soldier with His Bestfriend 2/18

You Are Invited!

6--9pm, Friday, February 18th

at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Celebrity Showroom

1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks

Sugarland Ranch is doing the most amazing event.  It is inspiring.  They are reuniting a military Lt., who is coming home from a tour of duty, with his dog "Hunter."  The dog "Hunter" has been boarded at Sugarland while Lt Shaw was away on duty.  


The re-unite will take place at Sugarland and a celebration will follow at the Nuggett in Sparks where there will be a no-host bar, appetizers, and a youth orchestra.  


Entrance is free to everyone; they are just hoping for donations.


R.S.V.P. (Please): 1 • 800 • 713 • 7177

Sugarland Ranch, Inc.

3510 Matterhorn Boulevard

Reno, NV 89506

Phone: 1-800-713-7177

http://www.sugarlandranch.org/

Nevada Humane Society Needs PetFolio Readers to Help the Puppies!

Amos




Nevada Humane Society Puppies Need FOSTER Homes RIGHT NOW.  They are asking for your help.

I’d like to tell you all about some very special puppies we have at Nevada Humane Society who are in genuine need of a loving foster home. These little guys, Ashleigh, Alfred, April, Annette, Amelia and Amos are 5-month Boxer/Pit Bull Terrier mix puppies. They were surrendered in October when their owners couldn’t afford to care for them. We need to find a foster home for these puppies as soon as possible and hope you can help. You do not have to take all six. We are willing to split up the group into one or two puppies at a time. Because these dogs are so social, it would be best to send them to foster as pairs. However, if you are only able to take one, that is helpful as well.

 

Amelia

You can see by their pictures they are beautiful, sweet, friendly, and very scared about the environment in which they find themselves. All are typical puppies, are eating on their own, active, and very fun. They have also had some house training and are almost all the way there.

 Annette

Why are these guys in such need, you ask? These sweet puppies are Ringworm positive. This means they have some special needs in terms of what kind of foster home they can go to. If you aren’t familiar with Ringworm, it is simply a skin fungus. In fact, it is the same skin fungus that causes Athlete’s Foot in humans. Like Athlete’s Foot, Ringworm is treated with a basic anti-fungal cream that is easily purchased at any pharmacy store like Walgreens. Of course, we will provide the foster home with all necessary medication. The puppies are currently on medication and will need to remain in foster until the Ringworm is gone. We expect about a month-and-a-half.

 April

What makes Ringworm challenging is that it can spread from animal to animal as well as from animal to human. I have personally had Ringworm several times. While I can’t say it’s enjoyable, it only took a few weeks of applying the cream and was gone. That said, with care, the spread of Ringworm is preventable if the foster is willing to follow our advice. 

 

Alfred

First, while not required, it is best if the puppies are kept in an area of the house without carpet or fabric. This makes it easier to bleach and kill the fungus, where it is not so easy in rooms with carpet. The severity of the Ringworm on these guys is low. They only have a few small patches in a few places.

 

Secondly, we encourage, and are happy to provide gloves for fosters if desired. Wearing gloves and/or long sleeves allow a person to handle and play with the puppies without the fear of Ringworm being spread to them. It is important, however, that the gloves and clothing be handled carefully and cleaned well. It is equally as important that the foster not just sanitize but clean their hands after handling them.

 

Third, as is true with any foster puppies, we require that foster puppy be kept separate from any of your personal pets. This will keep your pets safe from being exposed. 

 

As you can see, fostering puppies with Ringworm does require some extra effort but is not impossible or difficult. It does, however, need someone willing to put in a little more work to ensure these little guys are healthy and happy. 

Ashleigh

 

If you are able to give Ashleigh, Alfred, April, Annette, Amelia or Amos a foster home, please contact us right away. You can email NikoleNichols, or call her directly at 775-856-2000 x321.  Our foster homes have been so wonderful and giving.  We hope that we can turn to you one more time for these little guys.  Thank you.

 

Nikole Nichols

Community Programs Manager

Nevada Humane Society

775-856-2000 x321

Nevada Humane Society Invites PetFolio Readers to Celebrate All Things Feline!

Calling All Cat Lovers! 

Saturday, January 22

Join Nevada Humane Society for the first annual Cat Convention, All Things Cats.

This event will feature 100 adorable felines ready for loving homes and vendors selling pet supplies, crafts, art, gifts and other cat related items. The Cat Convention will take place at, and is sponsored by, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa onSaturday, January 22 from 10am until 7pm.

The event will also include educational demonstrations, such as kitty first aid and foster training for young kittens. Get your photo taken with Guinness World Record holder for the longest cat, Stewie, a Maine Coon from Reno, or visit with cartoonist Brian Crane, creator of Pickles, who will be doing a book signing of his most recent book How Come I Always Get Blamed for the Things I Do? A Pickles Collection.

How you can help

We are asking volunteers to help us in several ways:

Host a booth: If you are an artist, crafter, or other vendor who specializes in cat-themed items, maybe you’d like to host a booth at the convention. We are still looking for vendors. There is no booth fee. We do ask that you send a photo or sample of your items as booth space is limited. If you are interested in hosting a booth, please contact Kimberly Chandler at 856-2000 x324 or kchandler@nevadahumanesociety.org

Volunteer: We will need many volunteer to help with the event. Volunteer tasks will range from set up, handling cats, running the info booth and many other jobs. If you’re interested, please contact Nikole Nichols, 775-856-2000 x321, nnichols@nevadahumanesociety.org

Help spread the word: Tell all your friends, family, and neighbors. Don’t forget to share it on Facebook and Twitter. The more people who attend, the more potential there is for cats to find adoptive homes. Not to mention that is will be a really fun time. Click here to read the news release. You can also click here to see or print the event flier. Please feel free to post the flier in local business or hand out to people.

Hope to see you at the Cat Convention on January 22!