Holiday Hazard How to keep your pet safe

From the Willamette Valley Animal Hospital - Thank you.

Lights, decorations, good food... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and ways to prevent them.

Dangerous Foods -The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.

Regular Foods -Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other "regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when he asks. He probably won't know the difference!

New Treats and Toys -Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.

Plants -Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.

Decorations Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide -Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.

Christmas Trees - Monitor your pets when they are around your holiday tree. Pets may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink water from the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if there are preservatives in it). Keep electrical cords and decorative lights out of reach, too.


In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!

We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!

Kitty needs home

If you or someone you know, is interested, please call Patricia Clark (503-310-1020) for more information. Thank you for looking.

--Marcia

Hurricane Irene and Animals

Dear Friend,

As Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast, the Animal League deployed Emergency Rescue units and ensured the safety of over 800 animals. We were able to pull animals in need out of harm's way and provide support to shelter partners and evacuees during the storm.



•Before the hurricane, we deployed 5 Mobile Emergency Rescue units throughout Long Island, NY to take animals out of shelters in areas where the storm’s impact was expected to be most severe. We sheltered and cared for these animals at our Port Washington, NY headquarters during the storm.


•We deployed our largest Mobile Rescue unit to an emergency shelter for people and families that were forced to evacuate. When that first unit was quickly filled with animals, a second Mobile Rescue unit was quickly deployed to that location to care for close to 100 animals.


•Since the storm passed, we have safely reunited every pet we housed, at the emergency evacuation shelter, with their families.


•Through the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, the 650 homeless animals in our care, along with those rescued from our shelter partners, are safe and doing very well.


Our Emergency Rescue Teams continue to be ready to assist shelter partners impacted by Hurricane Irene.

Only through your vital support can we continue to act at a moment's notice to help save animals' lives.

Please donate today so we can continue to respond natural disasters,
national emergencies or whenever animals are at risk.

Animals Rescued From Tornado Zones in Alabama

North Shore Animal League America recently deployed two Emergency Rescue Teams to assist our shelter partners in need in tornado-ravaged areas of Alabama.

One rescue team has already rescued 78 homeless animals that were already in shelters before the storm. This will help with overcrowding by opening up space for displaced animals that continue to arrive including those being sought by their owners.

Our second rescue team is still at work in Alabama to rescue even more animals that need homes.


Only through your support and donations can we be ready to help in these times of need. Together we can always be ready to save as many lives as possible.

Please support the Animal League's Emergency & Disaster Rescue Program

Happy Valley dog alerts owner to neighbor’s fire

Credit: Clackamas Fire

Happy Valley dog alerts owner to neighbor’s fire

by Jeff Thompson, kgw.com Staff
kgw.com

Posted on January 6, 2011 at 8:20 AM

Updated today at 8:21 AM

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – A Happy Valley dog spotted a garage fire across the street and alerted his owner, who called 911. Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to the house.

Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, Clackamas Fire crews responded to a mini-van on fire, parked outside a Happy Valley home.

The fire had scorched the outside of the garage doors, but it was extinguished by the responding engine company before it spread to the home.

A neighbor across the street from the home had called 911 after her Labradoodle, Oscar, alerted her with his relentless barking. She came downstairs and found Oscar staring out the window at the fire.

“Because of Oscar’s actions, someone noticed the fire before it spread to the home from the mini-van,” said Steve McAdoo, with Clackamas Fire. “Many times, house fires go unnoticed during the daytime hours due to people being away at work and school.”

The damage to the house was minimal, but the mini-van was apparently a total loss.
One person who was home at the time of the fire was treated on scene for respiratory problems and transported to a local hospital.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.