Pets and Poison

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In 2013, there were nearly 180,000 cases of pets that had been exposed to toxic substances. Many of those were everyday household items! http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

The top offender for the sixth year in a row were prescription human medications: medication for heart conditions, pain medications, and antidepressants.

Nearly 16% of all calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) were insecticide related.

Tylenol, Advil and herbal supplements accounted for 15% of calls.

What Foods Can Make Pets Sick

Ingesting onions, garlic, raisins and grapes are among the common food items that are dangerous for pets. People food clocked in as the 5th most common pet poison in 2013.

If you think that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian. You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Should You Adopt From a Pet Store?

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When deciding to adopt a puppy over a dog, please remember that puppies need a lot of attention to ensure that they grow up to be confident, happy dogs. Can you take on this responsibility? If so, you’ll be rewarded with a loyal canine companion for life.

I know how hard it can be to resist that cute puppy in the store window. Please think twice before buying a dog from a pet shop because by doing so you are supporting the cruel puppy mill industry.

These facilities cram dogs into overcrowded, stacked cages. The dogs may never know the feeling of the grass beneath their feet, the enjoyment of playing outdoors, and more importantly, the loving touch from a human.

Even if the puppies get to leave the mill, the parents are stuck there for YEARS breeding MORE puppies in those terrible conditions.

The best advise I can give anyone who wants to adopt a dog is to turn to your local shelter first. There are always young dogs in need of homes. If you have a specific breed in mind, there are many resources to help you find what you’re looking for.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

The Sad Truth about Greyhounds

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As a long-time Floridian, I am embarrassed to point out to you that my state is one of the few nationwide that still participates in greyhound racing. But it does give me immense satisfaction to add the fact that Florida also lost between $1 and $3.3 million in 2012 on Greyhound racing.

As hard as it is to believe, Greyhound racing for some is still a big business.

Only a select few become racing dogs and greyhounds actually begin their lives on breeding farms. Unfortunately for those chosen, they spend 20 or more hours a day stacked in double-decker cages in warehouse-style kennels.

Can you believe that greyhound racing still exists in seven states? Out of 21 tracks in America, 12 are right here in the Sunshine State of Florida. There actually is a law in Florida that requires gambling institutions to maintain and run dog racing facilities. Should I repeat that because you are having a hard time comprehending that last sentence? You read it right but in it’s absurdity it’s worth repeating. There actually is a law in Florida that requires gambling institutions to maintain and run dog racing facilities. . Put another way you must, by law, race dogs if you want to run a gambling institution.

Even though we are still in the beginning of 2021, there have been 18 Greyhound deaths at Florida race tracks.

For ideas on how you can help stop greyhound racing, please go to: www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/animals-in-entertainment/greyhound-racing-faq

Please do your part to end the “sport” of greyhound racing!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett

Why You Should Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

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With many people still struggling financially in the current economy, the decision to spay or neuter a pet may be difficult.

A number of states have proposed mandatory spay/neuter laws. However there are currently no state laws requiring pet owners to sterilize their animals.

Fortunately, there are lots of affordable spay/neuter programs available, and you may be surprised just how beneficial it is to your pet:: www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter.

Finally, spaying and neutering helps control the pet population, so I highly recommend you have your pet altered.

Please contact us if we can assist you in any way with this important decision!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Does Your Cat Have Allergies?

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What are the General Symptoms of Cats who Have Allergies?

Sneezing and coughing if she has asthma, wheezing
Increased scratching/itchy skin
Runny, itchy eyes
Itchy base of tail and back (although this is most commonly seen in flea allergies)
Ear infections and itchy ears
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Snoring due to an inflamed throat
Swollen paws/paw chewing

What Are Some Things Cats are Allergic to?

  • Dust pollens, tree, weed, mold mildew and grass
  • Food
  •  Flea-control products and fleas
  • Prescription drugs
  • Perfumes
  • Cleaning products
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Fabrics
  • Plastic materials and rubber

Note: A flea allergy only requires the bite of a single flea to trigger intense itching for 2 to up to 3 weeks!

If you suspect your cat has allergies, visit your veterinarian. If she/he is unable to determine the source of the allergic reaction, a skin or blood tests and/or a special elimination diet will probably be recommended.

Removing offending allergens from the environment is the best way to treat allergies.

Are There Allergy Medications for Cats?

Your vet may prescribe cortisone or steroids to help control the allergy. However, allergy injections are the best way to treat airborne injections, because they treat the allergy itself instead of just masking the itch.

Antihistamines such as Benadryl may be used, but they work best preventatively, before your cat is exposed to the allergen.  There are several flea-prevention products that can be applied monthly to the skin.

Please remember to never give your cat medications unless prescribed by a veterinarian!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett