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Sit Means Sit of Palm Beach County presents
Pawsitively Amazing
April 2010 26th Edition
In This Issue
Poison Awareness
Pet First Aid
Videos
News Update- First Aid Classes
About Your Trainer
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 Dear, Pet Enthusiast

Welcome to this edition of our electronic newsletter designed for dog lovers who might want some helpful tips on training.  This is also to help keep our Palm Beach clients informed on what's happening in our local area.

To manage your subscription to this newsletter just scroll over to the sign up section.  If you feel that your friends could use some information, or our services, then forward this to them.

Bob Burnell
Sit Means Sit of Palm Beach County
561-543-5583
RobertBurnell@sitmeanssit.com
 
THOSE CRAZY DOGS

Picture of dog riding in his own little vehicle- note the pilot cap he is wearing.  You go DOG


SEND US A PICTURE OF YOUR DOG IN SOME CRAZY SITUATION AND WE WILL POST IT.  BE SURE TO SENT ALL RELEVANT INFO SO WE CAN GIVE YOU AND YOUR DOG CREDIT.
 
Poison Awareness
By Debbie Kendrick - 9/18/2008

As a fellow dog enthusiast I am sure you are aware that one of the most direct routes to winning a dog's heart is through his stomach. I believe most of you will also agree that dogs use their mouths to investigate the world around them - tasting, chewing and often consuming the interesting things in their environment. While the consumption of some foods, plants, household chemicals, and other seemingly edible objects may seem initially rewarding to our furry friends, they could be poisonous and thus deadly when ingested.

Unfortunately, dogs do not have the ability to differentiate between what is safe and what is dangerous for them to eat; thus, thousands of dogs per year unknowingly ingest toxic substances and subsequently poison themselves. In addition, loving dog owners unknowingly provide their pets with poisonous foods as treats (i.e. chocolate) because they lack poison awareness knowledge. This is where you as a professional dog trainer come in. 

According to the ASPCAAnimalPoisonControlCenter, 130,000 poison related cases were reported and handled just in 2007 alone. With this many occurrences in only one year, it just makes good sense to add poison awareness to your Dog Trainer's Toolbox.

Poisonous Substances

While the following lists are in no way complete, I have tried to include the most common and most dangerous substances that may be ingested by dogs. Also, be informed that while certain substances are poisonous to dogs and other animals regardless of the amount ingested, other poisonous substances can be tolerated in very small doses based on the amount ingested in relation to the animal's weight. For instance, while chocolate is a widely-known toxin for dogs, a minimal amount of chocolate ingested by a large dog will most likely be filtered through his system without the need for a trip to the veterinarian.

Foods - The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center urges dog owners to avoid feeding the following foods to their pets: alcoholic beverages, avocado, baking powder, baking soda, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, many fruit pits including those of cherries, peaches, avocados, and apricots, macadamia nuts, moldy or spoiled foods (such as those found in garbage), mushrooms, onions and onion powder, raisins and grapes, salt, yeast dough, garlic, and products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.

Household products - Common household products can be extremely toxic to canines, such as automobile antifreeze, a liquid that can leak from some automobiles. The liquid is green in color and sweet to the taste. The dog only needs to lick a small amount of antifreeze off of the street or driveway to become poisoned. Other poisonous household products include cleaners such as Febreeze odor neutralizer, bleach, abrasive cleaners, cleaning solvents, dish washing detergent, laundry detergent, disinfectants, drain cleaner, furniture polish, paint and paint solvents, and more. Even office supplies such as indelible ink, pencils, and crayons should be kept in a secure place as these too are toxic when ingested. Personal care items such as hair dye and perfume are dangerous as well.

Medications - Dog owners should consult a veterinarian before administering any type of medication to their canines, especially those that are meant for human consumption. Ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), cold and flu medications, and antidepressants are especially dangerous and should be kept out of reach of all pets. Illegal drugs, including marijuana, are also among the lists of poisonous substances.

Insecticides and Pesticides - These chemicals can be particularly attractive and enticing to dogs because they are commonly mixed with tasty food products to make them alluring to the pests they are meant to kill. Rat bait, snail bait, insecticides, moth repellent, and even some flea products are toxic when ingested by dogs and other animals. Some species of animals are especially sensitive to certain types of flea products, so do not use flea products interchangeably between dogs, cats, and other pets. Always consult a veterinarian first and read all instructions and indications.

Common Household Plants - The list of common household plants that are potentially poisonous to canines is extensive. According to the ASPCA, the 17 most common poisonous plants are as follows: lilies, marijuana, sago palm, tulip/narcissus bulbs, azalea/rhododendron, oleanders, castor bean, cyclamen, kalanchoe, yew, amaryllis, autumn crocus, chrysanthemum, English ivy, peace lilies, pothos, and schefflera. Some other common plants seen in many landscapes that may also be toxic to dogs are aloe vera, birds of paradise, daffodils, honeysuckle, poppies, geraniums, marigolds, oleanders, tomato plants, and many, many more. Seasonal decorative plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and Easter lilies should be kept out of reach of all pets. Even fertilizer is considered hazardous if ingested.

Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention

One of the most important aspects of poison awareness is realizing that not all dogs will display external signs of toxin ingestion prior to organ failure and death. Thus, all dog owners should be urged to secure any and all items that are toxic or even potentially toxic. Even dogs who are under constant supervision can find a quick moment to lap up a tasty but toxic snack, so prevention is crucial. Safety measures include keeping all food and household chemicals/cleaners in cabinets that are too high for a dog to reach or child-proofing cabinets that are within reach, securing trash cans or taking the trash out regularly, especially before leaving the dog unattended in the house, and landscaping appropriately by removing or ruling out any plants that are known as being poisonous to dogs from your garden.

Symptoms of poisoning vary, but may include vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, skin allergies, nasal discharge, eye discharge, drooling, lethargy, shaking, weaving, or stumbling. If an owner observes any of these symptoms and supposes that the dog may have come into contact with a poison, he/she should contact a veterinarian immediately. Serious symptoms such as seizures call for an emergency trip to the veterinarian, though the veterinarian should be alerted via phone prior to the dog's arrival. The owners should also bring along a sample of the potentially ingested substance or the container in which it was held, if at all possible. The owner should also be advised to contact the ASPCAAnimalPoisonControlCenter hotline at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA may be able to offer advice that can be followed in order to limit or prevent damage to your pet from poisonous substances.

I hope you find this information useful and readily pass it along to all your clients and fellow dog lovers. 

 

Pet First Aid

HEALTHYPET.COM


When your pet has an emergency, being prepared is very important. Before an emergency strikes, be sure you know how your veterinarian handles emergencies or where you should go if you have one. For example, some veterinarians always have someone on call, while others use special emergency hospitals for things that arise after hours. AAHA-accredited hospitals are required to provide 24-hour-a-day emergency care in one way or another. You can also stay prepared for emergencies by putting together a first aid kit.


We cannot stress enough that you SHOULD NOT get on-line during a pet emergency or when your pet is seriously ill. In an emergency, first aid is not a substitute for veterinary treatment. However, before you are able to get your pet to a veterinarian, knowing some basic first aid can help. Always seek veterinary care following first-aid attempts.

Bite Wounds

Approach the pet carefully to avoid getting bitten. Muzzle the animal. Check the wound for contamination or debris. If significant debris is present, then clean the wound with large amounts of saline or balanced electrolyte solution. If these are not available, then regular water may be used. Wrap large open wounds to keep them clean. Apply pressure to profusely bleeding wounds. Do not use a tourniquet. Wear gloves when possible.

Bite wounds often become infected and need professional care. Call your veterinarian.

Bleeding

Apply firm, direct pressure over the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10 straight minutes (continually releasing the pressure to check the wound will hamper the clotting). Avoid bandages that cut off circulation.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

Breathing Stops

Check to see if the animal is choking on a foreign object. If an animal is not breathing, place it on a firm surface with its left side up. Check for a heartbeat by listening at the area where the elbow touches the chest. If you hear a heartbeat but not breathing, close the animal's mouth and breathe directly into its nose--not the mouth--until the chest expands. Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute. If there is no pulse, apply heart massage at the same time. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest, behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand below the heart to support the chest. Place other hand over the heart and compress gently. To massage the hearts of cats and other tiny pets, compress the chest with the thumb and forefingers of one hand. Apply heart massage 80-120 times per minute for larger animals and 100-150 per minute for smaller ones. Alternate heart massage with breathing.

Please note: Even in the hands of well-trained veterinary health professionals, the success of resuscitation is very low overall. Success may be slightly higher in the cases of drowning or electrical shock.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

Burns

(Chemical, electrical, or heat including from a heating pad) Symptoms: singed hair, blistering, swelling, redness of skin. Flush the burn immediately with large amounts of cool, running water. Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes. Do not place an ice pack directly on the skin. Wrap the pack in a light towel or other cover. If the animal has large quantities of dry chemicals on its skin, brush them off. Water may activate some dry chemicals.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

Choking

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, excessive pawing at the mouth, blue lips and tongue. Be sure to protect yourself as well as the animal, as the pet will likely be frantic and may be more likely to bite. If the pet can still partially breathe, it's best to keep the animal calm and get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Look into the mouth to see if foreign object in throat is visible. If you can, clear the airway by removing the object with pliers or tweezers, being careful not to push it farther down the throat. If it is lodged too deep or if the pet collapses, then place your hands on both sides of the animal's rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Or place the animal on its side and strike the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand three or four times. Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged or you arrive at the veterinarian's office.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

Diarrhea

Withhold food for 12-24 hours, but not water. Sometimes pets that appear to be straining are sore from diarrhea rather than from constipation. Your veterinarian can help you decide which it is and what will help. Trying at-home treatments without knowing the real cause can just make things worse.

Call your veterinarian.

Fractures

Symptoms include pain, inability to use a limb, or limb at odd angle. Muzzle the pet and look for bleeding. If you can control bleeding without causing more injury, then do so. Watch for signs of shock. DO NOT TRY TO SET THE FRACTURE by pulling or tugging on the limb. Transport the pet to the veterinarian immediately, supporting the injured part as best you can.

Heatstroke

Symptoms include rapid or labored breathing, vomiting, high body temperature, collapse. Place the animal in a tub of cool water. Or, gently soak the animal with a garden hose or wrap it in a cool, wet towel. Do not overcool the animal. Stop cooling when rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Call veterinarian immediately.

Poisoning

Symptoms include vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, depression, pain. Record what the pet ingested and how much. Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Do not induce vomiting. In case of toxins or chemicals on the skin from oils, paints, insecticides and other contact irritants, request directions on if and how to wash the toxin off.

Seizures

Symptoms include salivation, loss of control of urine or stool, violent muscle twitching, loss of consciousness. Move the pet away from any objects that could be harmful during the seizure. Use a blanket for padding and protection. Do not put yourself at risk by restraining the pet during the seizure. Time the seizure. They usually last only 2 to 3 minutes. Afterwards, keep the animal calm and quiet.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

Shock

Symptoms include irregular breathing, dilated pupils. Shock may occur as a result of a serious injury or fright. Keep the animal gently restrained, quiet, and warm, with the lower body elevated.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

Vomiting

Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Give the pet ice cubes for two hours after vomiting stops, then slowly increase the amount of water and foods given over a 24-hour period.

Call your veterinarian.

If you need to muzzle your pet use a strip of soft cloth, rope, necktie, or nylon stocking. Wrap around the nose, under the chin and tie behind the ears. Care must be taken when handling weak or injured pets. Even normally docile pets will bite when in pain. Allow the pet to pant after handling by loosening or removing the muzzle. Do not use a muzzle in a case of vomiting. Cats and small pets may be difficult to muzzle. A towel placed around the head will help control small pets.

If your pet can't walk A door, board, blanket, or floor mat can be used as a stretcher to transport injured or weak animals.

If your pet's emergency is not covered here, please call your veterinarian immediately. If you are away from home, you can find a veterinarian near you by using the AAHA-accredited hospital directory.

Click here for instructive videos by the Cornell Feline Health Center on giving your cat a pill, capsule or liquid medication.

Note: All content provided on HealthyPet.com, is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.




Videos- Visit our You Tube Channel for all of our videos

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NEWS UPDATE
 
THE HEAD TRAINER FOR SIT MEANS SIT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, BOB BURNELL, WILL BE ATTENDING A 3 DAY INSTRUCTORS COURSE FOR THE TEACHING OF PET FIRST AID.  THIS COURSE WILL COVER SUCH TOPICS AS:
                          RESCUE BREATHING
                          CANINE AND FELINE CPR
                          CHOKING MANAGEMENT
                          BLEEDING AND SHOCK MANAGEMENT
                          SNOUT TO TAIL ASSESSMENT FOR INJURY AND WELLNESS
                          ASSESSING THE PETS VITALS
                          PUTTING TOGETHER A PROPER PET FIRST AID KIT
                          INSECT BITES, STINGS AND SNAKEBITES
                          HEAT AND COLD INJURIES
                          SEIZURES
                          CARING FOR YOUR SENIOR PET-IZEN

MORE INFORMATION REGARDING CLASS AVAILABILITY, LOCATION AND FEES WILL BE FORTHCOMING
About Your Trainer
Bob grew up on Long Island, New York and upon graduation from High School spent four years serving this country in the U.S. Army.  Bob graduated from Hofstra University Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Business and earned several academic achievement awards.  Bob spent several years as an Operations Executive for a major retailer until he joined the N.Y.P.D.  Bob graduated #1 in his class from the police academy, earning the highest academic achievement award.  Bob is currently a full time Police K9 officer.  Bob has certifications in dog training through The Animal Behavior College and The No Limitations School for Remote Collar Training.  Bob has worked with some of the most influential dog trainers.  Bob has studied under Brian Kilcommons (noted trainer and author) and Fred Hassen (founder and creator of Sit Means Sit). Bob has over 8 years of experience in training dogs and receives a real sense of accomplishment when he witnesses the success his clients have with our program.
 

                                                                          
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with your family.  We appreciate everyone of our clients and value the relationship that we have with you.  The highest compliment that you can give us, is the referral of your family and friends.  Remember, we are never too busy for your referrals.  If you know someone that would benefit from our services or that might enjoy what we do, please forward this newsletter to them.  We are always looking to improve our service.  If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to us.  We are always looking for testimonials from our clients so that we can show others how our training has helped you.


Please feel free to visit my Palm Beach Training Blog to obtain additional information and view some more great videos.  Missed an earlier edition of this newsletter?  Go to my blog and view past editions that are archived at this location.
 
Sincerely,
 
Robert Burnell
Sit Means Sit of Palm Beach County
561-543-5583
robertburnell@sitmeanssit.com

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