Ask the APCC: Christmas Tree Water Worries

Is the water in our Christmas tree stand poisonous to our dog and cat?
—Daniel G.

Not really, Daniel, but it could have other negative effects. For example, sometimes people add preservatives to Christmas tree water that may contain fertilizers. While these preservatives are poisonous, they can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. It’s a good idea to make sure a skirt or a cloth covers the bottom of your tree to deter your dog and cat from drinking the water.

More new questions:

- Is the antibiotic Cefdinir safe for dogs?

- Does winterberry pose any risk to dogs?

ASPCA News Alert

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS: CHECK OUT OUR TOP DOGS!
In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, this October we put out a call for the most amazing photos of—who else?—the loyal, loveable canine. Pooch parents all over the country got out their cameras and caught their pooches doing what they do best—sleeping, chewing, fetching, leaping, loving or just chilling. Although our judges had a hard time selecting the best of the best, we’re ready to show off the top dogs.

PET HEALTH ALERT: NO SWEETS FOR THE SWEET THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
For many people, overindulging in holiday goodies may result in a few extra pounds—but the consequences for our animal companions are much greater if they accidentally ingest cookies, candy or baked goods containing chocolate.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: “MAX”IMUM SECURITY
It’s a safe bet that this elder statescat can win over his mom Robin’s heart every time.

CLEAN-UP DAY FOR PHILLY’S FERALS
Find out how colony caretakers sent a message to the city that their TNR project is important and well-organized.

FROM OUR EMAIL BAG
Getting a new cat? We’ve got tips from ASPCA experts on how to add a new feline to the household—without any fur flying.

IT’S WARM…IT’S FUZZY...IT’S OUR HOLIDAY E-CARD!
Too late to get your holiday greetings out via snail mail? Not to worry! Our animated eCard will get there fast.

Pet Poison Q & A: Is Tinsel a Terror?

I was wondering if tinsel is harmful for dogs. My dog eats everything in sight, and tinsel tends to get all over the place. Should I avoid using it?
—Priscilla M.

Tinsel is not known to be poisonous to pets, Priscilla, but it is still a potential hazard. If swallowed, tinsel could pose a risk for choking or intestinal obstruction. Based on this, we do not advise allowing your pets to have access to items decorated with tinsel. You may also wish to consider not using it in your home at all.

More new questioins:

- Are silica gel desiccant packages toxic to pets?

- I understand that garlic is poisonous for dogs, but why is it often an ingredient in dog treats?

Check out the winners of our 2006 Dog Photo Contest!

In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, this October we put out a call for the most awesome photos of…who else?...the loveable, loyal canine. We were overwhelmed when thousands of entries came rolling in from all across the country—and although our judges had a hard time selecting the best of the best, we are proud to announce the winners here.

Congratulations and four paws up to our top dogs—and a big thank you to all who participated.

ASPCA in News: Tips On How To Keep Your Pet Happy During The Holidays

NY1.com
By Stephanie Simon

December 18, 2006–Holiday decorations, presents, and delicious meals–the perfect ingredients for a happy holiday–but they can also put a damper on holiday spirits if your kitty or pooch has a taste of it. NY1’s Stephanie Simon spoke with Dr. Jennifer Lander of the ASPCA about ways to pet-proof your home.

First up: decorations. To your pets, they can look a lot like toys. "

Decorations made of glass or anything toxic like the bubbling lights can be very dangerous if they break open,” says Dr. Lander. “Tinsel or any linear foreign material like ribbons or shredding can cause intestinal blockage. I would try to keep all decorations high up out of their reach. So decorating just maybe the top two thirds of your tree. Or using maybe safer materials like paper or wooden ornaments around the base of the tree. The use of a baby gate to keep an animal away from the entire room where the tree is. Water well covers to make sure the animal isn't going to try to drink toxic water from the Christmas tree base."

Read the rest of the article

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Meet Gravy

OK, so he hasn’t yet learned to wave—but energetic, enthusiastic Gravy will be delighted to meet and greet you when you visit him at our 92nd Street adoption facilities.

That’s saying quite a bit, since this three-year-old Australian kelpie mix had a rough start in life. “It’s a sad story,” explains ASPCA Cares’ Allison Cardona. “Gravy was seized by our Humane Law Enforcement officers last January. His muzzle was bound with a cord, and he had also been stabbed over his left eye.” Thanks to tender loving care at our ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, Gravy recovered and rebounded—and his wonderful personality is really starting to come out.

“He’s an all-around goofy, young, eager-to-please dog,” says Allison. We also must point out that he’ll pretty much do anything for a treat, and has already mastered his basic manners. “He’s a herding dog, so it’s important for him to have a job and keep busy,’” says Allison.

If you’ve got time to continue Gravy’s training, we think the sky’s the limit for this smart cookie. To find out more about this sweet chocolate-colored boy, please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120.

To see some of the other animals at our shelter who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org. As such, this smart cookie would really blossom with an owner who has time to continue his training.

ASPCA News Alert

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: OUR TOP TEN COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
Brrrr…it’s getting cold outside! As the mercury begins to dip in many parts of the country, our ASPCA experts offer guidelines to help you protect your companion animals. Puppies, kittens, adult dogs and cats—we’ve got them covered (and you can keep them cozy!).

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: JACK OF ALL TRADES
Lola the Jack Russell terrier needed out of her cage at a local Texas shelter—bigtime.


ASPCA COMMUNITY TOPIC OF THE WEEK: CLIP, SNIP, WASH & DRY—GROOMING 101
We want the lowdown on the various services provided by your cat’s personal manicurist and hair stylist (errr, that’s you!).

QUEENS MAN SENTENCED IN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE
20-year-old gets 16 months in prison for starving a family of pit bulls.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH WINDSOR VINEYARDS
Planning to pop open some bubbly this New Year’s Eve? Then we’ve got a deal for you, ASPCA supporters.

ALWAYS IN STYLE: GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE THIS SEASON!
Start a holiday tradition this year by actively honoring the special people, animals and events in your life with an ASPCA Honor gift.

Ask the APCC: Felines & Fabric Softener

My kitty loves to roll around and play in fabric softener sheets. Could they be harmful to him?
—Monique R.

Potentially yes, Monique. Fabric softener products can contain detergents known as cationics that have the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, particularly when the sheets haven’t yet been used. These effects include drooling, appetite loss, oral burns and, in some cases, possibly even ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.

While dogs and other animals can also be affected, cats are especially sensitive to cationics. As such, we would advise not to let your feline friend play with fabric softener sheets—whether fresh or used.

More new questions:

- Are eucalyptus and pepper berry plants poisonous to pets? I’ve seen them in many holiday garlands and wreaths, and I’d like to know if they are safe to have around my dogs.

- My boxer puppy likes to get hold of my bottle of face wash and play with it, but I keep worrying that he’ll chew it open. Is non-medicated face wash harmful to puppies if swallowed?

- Is Norfolk pine poisonous to cats?

New at ASPCA Online Store: HLE Sweatshirts!

Give it up for New York City’s finest! Our cozy and comfy sweatshirts feature the badge worn by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers.


Visit the store now...

ASPCA Press Release: Liquid Potpourri & Pets

Exposures To Popular Home Air Freshener Products May Cause Serious Harm

Urbana, Ill., December 12, 2006—All of us love our homes smelling fresh and fragrant, and go to great lengths to ensure that they do so. But before setting out that lovely potpourri simmer pot, pet owners should take heed: many liquid potpourri formulations contain ingredients such as essential oils and detergents that could be quite hazardous to our furry companions, as an analysis of calls to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has shown.

“The major share of our cases has involved cats,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of the APCC, “most likely because cats have greater access to the simmer pots which are usually kept on countertops or other high-level surfaces.” Of the more than 330 liquid potpourri cases the APCC has managed since 2001, 87 percent involved felines, while the remaining 13 percent involved dogs.

Read the rest of this press release...

ASPCA in the News: Dog Saved as Owner is Busted

New York Post
By LARRY CELONA and HEIDI SINGER

December 10, 2006 -- A Queens woman was busted for animal cruelty yesterday, after horrified city officials found her emaciated dog tied to a doorknob - and suffering for the past month from a slit throat.

Marisol Zayas, 26, of 27th Avenue in Long Island City, faces up to a year in jail for leaving her 2-year-old husky, Trinity, to suffer without medical care after investigators found a 10-inch slit in the dog's throat, said ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Pentangelo.

"You could see the dog's windpipe," he said of the wound , which took 25 stitches to close.

Read the rest of the news article...

Pet Poison Prevention: Is Dough a Don't?

Someone told me that raw yeast dough could expand in dogs’ stomachs, and could even be fatal. I have a hard time believing that dough could withstand the actions of powerful stomach acid. Can you enlighten me?
—MaryAnn H.

You raise an excellent question, MaryAnn. It is indeed true that raw yeast dough can rise and expand in a dog’s warm and moist gastrointestinal tract, and potentially result in a life-threatening emergency. Many species of yeast (including Saccharomyces cerevisieae, which is commonly used in the leavening of bread) are actually acidophilic—that means they like acidic environments. Therefore, stomach acids may actually play a role in enhancing the rising process when raw yeast dough is consumed.

More new questions:

- Is Christmas cactus poisonous to cats?

- Is popcorn dangerous for animals?

- Is wine or beer harmful for my Labrador to ingest?

New Article: Shelter Spotlight

Each month we’ll feature shelters across the country that are making a difference in the lives of animals in their community. It’s time to get the word out about these movers and shakers!

MEOW: Cooperation, for Cats’ Sake
In the world of animal welfare, bad news often dominates the headlines. And it’s not just the media that ignites pessimism—sometimes organizations with varying philosophies within a community aren’t as kind to one another as they could be.

The greater Seattle area, however, is a wonderful example of a community (and there are many across the country!) with a different mindset. The area boasts an extensive network of shelters, rescue groups and independent rescuers who all work together to tackle challenges and create solutions.

Read the rest of the Shelter Spotlight...

New Cat Care Article: Cat's Play

Selecting safe toys for your feline

A feral cat may spend half of her day going through the stalk, pounce and kill of the hunting ritual, trying to obtain enough food to sustain her litter and herself. Meanwhile, our domestic felines nosh all day long on a commercially produced, owner-prepared diet. Little wonder Petunia has packed on a few pounds! When we relegate our feline friends to indoors-only status, we rob them of the opportunity to work for their living. It is a far safer existence, but a more mind-numbing, sedentary one. As responsible pet parents, it’s up to us to enrich their environment and enhance their lives.

The good news is that cats are easily amused. There is very little in their environment that could not serve as a cat toy in a pinch. In fact, in many households, commercial cat toys gather dust while items set aside for recycling are co-opted by the cat. Bottle caps, paper shopping bags, dried-out pens, shoe boxes…what may be garbage to you represents a rip-roaring good time to your cat. Are we the only ones who leave empty boxes in the middle of the living room floor to facilitate feline hide-and-seek? Read on...

This Week's ASPCA News Alert

HOLIDAY PET SAFETY TIPS: DECK THE HALLS (BUT DO IT SAFELY, PLEASE)
For many of us, ’tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery. But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be hazardous to the health of your companion animals? Our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have some tips to help keep the season bright—and your pets safe.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: A BULL MARKET
Meet Boof, a loveable pit bull pup who went straight from wags to riches.

SEE YOU TONIGHT, L.A. ANIMAL LOVERS: BENEFIT FOR KATRINA & RITA PETS!
Head on down to the House of Blues and show your support.

AND THE SURVEY SAYS…
How can we best get animal welfare news and pet care information out to you? Please take a minute to fill out our online communications survey today.

WHO’S ON YOUR LIST? THE ASPCA HOLIDAY STORE IS OPEN 24/7
Tees and books and ornaments, oh my! You’ll find something special for all the animal lovers in your life.

WHAT IF THE ASPCA EARNED A PENNY EVERY TIME YOU SEARCHED THE INTERNET?
Visit GoodSearch.com for the scoop on this easy way to help animals.

Ask the APCC: Mean Greens

Is spinach poisonous to cats? I looked at several websites and found conflicting information.
—Lauryl B.

Good question, Lauryl. There is currently no solid data pertaining to feline ingestions of spinach, but we do know that it contains a small amount of calcium oxalates. While a leaf or two may not be an issue for a healthy adult cat, chronic and/or large ingestions of spinach could potentially cause crystal formation in the urinary tract. (And P.S., Because of this, spinach should be avoided completely in any cat with a history of urinary problems, including infections, crystaluria and kidney disease.)

More new questions:

- Are flocked Christmas trees toxic?

- Is carob OK for dogs?

- Are spider plants poisonous to cats?