Holiday Safety Tips for Pets!

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Pets are becoming more and more a part of the family, and people like to include them in everything especially holiday events.  Although we tend to eat a little differently during the holiday season it is important to try and keep your pets diet and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible.  

It is important to securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't fall, causing injury.  Also keep your pet away from the water under the tree, which can contain fertilizers and bacteria.  It is almost common knowledge not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, make sure to keep your pets away from the table and any unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on all garbage cans. 

Do not feed your furry friend any leftovers including bones.  Cooked bones can easily crack and cause a choking hazard.  Mistletoe and holly can be a real health hazard for pets; they can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems. Don’t leave any wires or candles unattended because your pet could be shocked or even start a fire. Cocktails and other adult beverages are usually served at holiday parties, it is important to keep them out of the reach of your pet, it is possible that if ingested our pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma.  It may be a smart idea to give your pet a designated room to retreat for some quiet, fresh water and a place for a nap.  

Holiday parties can be a great time but a potentially dangerous place for your pet.  Taking the proper precautions will ensure a safe and fun holiday party for you and your pet! 

Pets Are a Huge Priority in Hurricane Sandy Aftermath

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Super storm Sandy caused widespread damage to a large part of the east coast.  Thousands of people were forced from their homes due to unsafe living conditions caused by flooding and fires.  Unfortunately, the hardships didn't end there for most people, especially  for those who own pets.

With limited space and power in shelters many were forced into hotels, which don’t all allow pets.  Some find it hard to understand why animals are a large concern in disasters that claim many human lives, but owners feel an attachment and a responsibility to protect their pets as if they are a member of the family.  Many owners would risk their lives for their pets which forces them to stay in evacuated areas which further endangered the lives of first responders who have to go back for them. 

In New York City and Long Island, the ASPCA has rescued more than 300 animals and treated or provided supplies to over 13,000.  The city took in about 400 animals along with their families just days following Sandy, and is currently housing more than 100.  Search and rescue teams were led by Animal Care & Control of NYC in areas that seem to be hit hard by the storm and the following nor’easter. 

Manhattan shelters took in animals around the clock, waiting for owners to show up. Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter were scoured by pet owners hoping to reunite pets with owner through reports, pictures and pages created to help locate them.  Rescuing animals is mandatory according to federal law, which requires local and state governments to include pets in their plans for emergency procedures.  Federal Emergency Management Agency funds are allocated to the welfare of animals in disaster zones.

During this difficult time, NYC’s human shelters are required to accept pets as well as public transportation.  It will most likely be a month before there are any accurate estimates on how many pets have lost their life or were lost during the two storms.  All resources are being exhausted to try and rebuild after this terrible natural disaster.

Did You Know November is National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month?

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November is National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month and BluePearl Veterinary Partners encourages pet owners to become more aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. 

Diabetes is a relatively common disease in which the body cannot use glucose, or sugar properly.  If detected early enough, pets can live a normal life if treated properly.  In some cases it can even be reversed with cats.  Although diabetes can be easily manageable, if it is left untended it can be life threatening.  

Some warning signs of diabetes could be increase in consumption of water, urination and appetite, weight loss and the development of Cataracts if the disease has been existent for a long period of time.  

However, certain steps can be taken to avoid diabetes. Weight can be a large factor in developing diabetes; controlling your pets diet to avoid obesity is an easy step that can be taken to help your pet live a longer and healthier life.   If any of these symptoms occur, you should bring your pet to your veterinarian as soon as possible! 

Pet Shelters in Demand

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A week has passed and Long Island is still feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Pet shelters all across the island are still open, but continue to deal with new problems brought forth by this terrible storm. 

Nassau County is dealing with the possibility of sheltering more people and animals that have fled their homes after the storm due to the failures in sewage systems and lack of clean water in several neighborhoods.  Jo Ellen Cimmino, director of animal disaster services at Pet Safe Coalition, said that veterinarians from the Hempstead Animal Shelter are on hand to deal with stressed or injured animals, and that North Shore Animal League set up three of their mobile vans for the shelter.  Lack of space is not as much of a problem as the dwindling supplies and gas that these shelters need to fuel their generators.  It is also becoming harder to keep track of all the animals without the help of computers and usual technology we are usually afforded. 

Animals brought to a shelter should have proper identification collars and rabies tags.  Also proper identification on all possessions, cage leash, ample supply of food, water, necessary medication and newspapers or trash bags for clean up.  Every shelter could use donations. 

 If you would like to help the Pet Safe Coalition or the Suffolk SPCA, please visit
www.facebook.com/petsafecoalition or www.suffolkspca.org or call 631-852-4965.

Hurricane Sandy Pet Evacuations

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When hurricane Sandy hit earlier this week it left a trail of destruction along the upper east coast.  Many communities needed to be evacuated to avoid the to destructive hurricane.  Rescue workers have been working hard to save any pets in danger and to transfer them to safe shelters.  

Under the circumstances many hotels that are usually not animal friendly have been temporarily waiving their restrictions.  If an area is being evacuated because it is unsafe for humans it is certainly unsafe for your pet that likely depend on you for survival.  All of New York City’s 76 evacuation shelters welcome pets and there are many shelters on Long Island that accept pets as well.  New York City has been very accommodating to pets by temporarily allowing them in subways, taxis and trains to help people transport their animals to safe locations.  

The city has recognized that public transportation is the primary mode of transportation for people that are seeking the help of these shelters, and are taking progressive steps to ensure the safety of the animals in the city.  Even social networks are getting involved in providing safety for pets; twitter is listing pet friendly shelters all along the east coast.  Facebook is organizing groups that names and pictures of pets separated from their owners.   

Sandy has been one of the most destructive natural disasters since Hurricane Katrina, and it will take time to recover from the damages.