June 2009

“WHISKERS” JUNE 2009

I believe summer is finally on the way.  We have had some nice, hot days here in Southern Ohio, and I like it.  I’ve planted  vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and put down mulch.

As summer comes, your pets will most likely be outside more and exposed  to different possible dangers that they normally may not face.

This month’s newsletter has some interesting safety tips on how to keep your pet from being accidentally poisoned, as well as information on microchips and how they can help you get your pet back if it should become lost.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter.  As always, you comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome.

Beware of Common Pet Poisonings

Many pets are only one bite away from disaster. According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, the most dangerous poisons for pets are human medications intentionally given to pets by their owners.

*Owners give pets over-the-counter or prescription drugs for their ailments, unaware that even given in small amounts, many of these drugs cannot be metabolized by pets fast enough to prevent an overdose. Never give pets medications without consulting a veterinarian.

*The taste and smell of rodenticides is designed to appeal to small mammals. Pet owners should consider other options for eliminating rodents.

*Theobromine and caffeine, both of which are common ingredients in chocolate, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hyperactivity, abnormal rhythms of the heart, or even seizures in pets.

*Unsweetened baking chocolate contains much higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate, causing toxicity with the consumption of much smaller amounts.

*Sago palms, tulips, oleander, hyacinths, poinsettias, azaleas, lilies, and amaryllis are poisonous as are onions, grapes and raisins.

*Pets will get into just about anything with bright colors and strong odors.

*Ingestion of cleaning supplies such as bleach, liquid potpourri, even deodorant or toiletries can result in an ill pet.

*Snail bait can also attract pets. Signs usually occur quickly and include vomiting and whole body tremors. Pet owners should consider alternative methods for getting rid of snails and slugs.

*Some species of toad, particularly along the Gulf Coast, secrete a toxic substance when threatened – or licked by curious dogs. Toxic effects are immediate and can be life-threatening. Make sure to regularly monitor pets when outdoors to reduce exposure to hazardous creatures.

*Mercury, lead or excessive amounts of zinc, iron, cobalt and copper can cause serious illness in pets, especially if allowed to accumulate in a pet’s body. Pets may be exposed to heavy metals through lead-based paint, ingestion of pennies coined after 1982, vitamins, soil contamination, or water pollutants.
*While most people are aware of the poisonous potential of antifreeze, they may not notice a pool collecting from a leak beneath a car. Regularly give a glance beneath the car and clean any spills immediately.

For more information on common pet toxins and poisons, visit www.petinsurance.com/healthzone.

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Microchip Your Pet

If you haven’t experienced that sinking feeling of a lost pet, consider

yourself lucky. Pets are adventure-seeking animals, so it is not surprising that from time to time they wander from their homes. A microchip can ensure that the pet is safely returned to the owner. About the size of a small grain of rice, microchips may be used on many different species of animals – including dogs, cats, horses, goats, and cattle. The device is inserted into the animal with a large syringe, and each has a unique serial number.

It’s extremely important to register your pet’s unique microchip number with a national agency after the procedure has been completed, and two of the better known are Avid and Home Again. Microchipping has not been proven to have any negative affects on the animal other than the small amount of pain the shot entails. It can be inserted at any age and can be used for the extent of the pet’s life.  Microchipping has been proven to be extremely important especially during times of natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina is a perfect example. When pets were left behind or separated from their owners while being relocated, microchips assisted in many of the pets being safely returned to their owners.

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Pet Costs

The initial cost of a pet purchase whether from a shelter or a breeder is just the beginning of the cost of ownership. The ASPCA has released an updated guide to pet costs to help new pet owners plan and budget for their futures. Go to www.aspca.org/petcarecosts.

A large dog, for example, will likely require an average yearly food allowance of $225, while a bird’s diet would be about $75 a year. Rabbits and guinea pigs need fresh bedding, which totals a whopping $415 per year, versus a cat’s average yearly litter costs about $165.

Recurring medical expenses such as yearly exams and vaccinations range from $210 to $265 for dogs and $160 for cats. Pet insurance coverage costs vary, but some policies will cover spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and heartworm medication. Rates for dogs average about $225, while healthy cat owners can find insurance coverage for about $175 per year. The ASPCA suggests examining your budget, lifestyle and needs before adopting a pet.

For more information on adopting the right pet for you and your budget, go to www.aspca.org/petcarecosts.

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PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE

The old adage prevention is key applies to your pets as well. Despite the economic downtown, pet owners should take their pets to the veterinarian before they get sick. Many times, owners don’t even know their pet is sick until it’s too late because animals possess a survival instinct that masks symptoms of illness. Diseases in pets, like humans, can progress slowly over time and by the time the symptoms occur, it might be too late. Illnesses like liver disease can be detected with a routine blood test and urine analysis.

Diet and nutrition are key factors in preventative care so don’t be afraid to speak to your veterinarian about any seemingly minor changes in your pet’s behavior.

JUNE 2009 SUBSCRIBER AND CUSTOMER SPECIALS

This month, exclusively for present customers and newsletter subscribers, we are offering again one of our most popular sales.

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!  For the month of June, whatever product(s) you buy, we will send you another of that same product FREE.

In other words, whatever your order is, we will duplicate it FREE. Buy as much as you like, order as many times as you like.  Stock up for yourself, or share products with a friend.  This is the perfect opportunity to do either.

To take advantage of the BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE offer, just click here http://www.odorbgoneproducts.com and use coupon code GOF at checkout.  As always, your complete satisfaction is guaranteed.

Thank you,

Dave Gannon

P.S.  The free products will not appear on your order form, but they will be automatically sent when you use the Coupon Code GOF. Click here http://www.odorbgoneproducts.com