September 2009
WHISKERS – SEPTEMBER 2009
Well, in a few days Summer will be officially over. It sure has flown by. We went to the first high school football game Friday night, and school has started back, so in my mind, Summer is over right now.
There is some interesting and entertaining information in this month’s issue. I hope you enjoy it. As always, we welcome and encourage your comments, questions, and suggestions.
Teaching Children Dog Do’s and Don’ts
Every 40 seconds, someone seeks medical attention for a dog-bite-related injury. Children under 15 years of age make up approximately 70 percent of all dog-bite victims. Almost two-thirds of injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or neck region. Every year in the U.S., 3.5 million children are bitten by dogs, and it is estimated that by age 12, half of all children in this country will experience a dog bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The American Humane Association has created “American Humane KIDS: Kids Interacting with Dogs Safely™,” a unique, first-of-its-kind dog-bite prevention program designed for children ages seven and under. The KIDS curriculum meets national standards of education while providing character lessons. It includes games, activities, worksheets, songs, a coloring book and a live-action DVD. The coloring book reinforces the lessons with situations in which young children may encounter dogs and provides guidance on what they should do. The materials are available for purchase online at www.americanhumane.org/store.
To prevent dog bites, adults should teach children:
- Never approach an unknown dog or a dog that is alone without its owner, and always ask the owner’s permission before petting it.
- Never approach an injured animal – go find an adult who can get it the help it needs.
- Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, nursing or has something it likes – like a bone or toy.
- Don’t poke, hit, pull, pinch or tease a dog – the dog may not realize you’re just playing.
- Don’t chase or run from a dog.
====================================
Keep Your Pets Safe During Hurricane Season
The 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season has arrived and is expected to bring 12 named storms, with six of those becoming hurricanes. PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance offers the following suggestions for preparing a Pet Evacuation Kit.
*All pets should wear an identification tag and collar
*At least one week’s supply of food in water-tight container
*At least one week’s supply of water
*Leash and harness for dogs and cats
*Appropriate size pet carrier for dogs and cats
*Make sure vaccinations are up to date
*Copies of updated vaccination certificates (required by shelters)
*Pet medications (including heartworm / flea prevention)
*Litter box, litter for cats
*Updated photos of your pet in case they get lost
*Your pet’s favorite toy to help calm nerves
PurinaCare also recommends identifying evacuation sites and researching pet accommodations. Make calls now to check on the boarding policies of the local kennels, animal shelters or hotels and ensure you add any of these requirements to your Pet Evacuation Kit. For more information go to www.purinacare.com.
===================================
Be Sure to Understand the Pet Rules
According to an apartments.com survey of more than 1,000 renters around the country, nearly 90 percent of renters said they have a pet. Of the renters surveyed that do not currently own a pet, more than half plan to become pet owners within the next year. More than 80 percent of respondents said a pet-friendly policy played a major role in where they chose to live and 30 percent sought out an apartment in close proximity to desirable pet amenities such as dog parks, walking trails and a veterinary office.
Apartments.com has seen an upward trend of more and more properties welcoming pets and more than half the renters surveyed said they paid more than $200 for a pet deposit. New pet owners looking for an apartment are encouraged to ask permission before getting a pet and check out the pet policy.
Conduct an Online Search for pet friendly apartments and be sure to ask if there are any size or weight limitations. Some buildings may even prohibit specific breeds. When visiting a potential new place, confirm any additional costs associated with owning a pet. Remember to also ask if the deposit is refundable or non-refundable. For more pet-renting tips, read “Things You Need to Know About Living in an Apartment with a Pet” (http://living.apartments.com/pets/living-with-pets-apartments/) located in the “Apartment Living” section on Apartments.com.
====================================
Top 10 Wild Animals That Attack Pets
Sometimes, our pets are itching for a fight, but other times the fight comes to them — from land, sea, and even air. Here’s the list of animals from Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., which were most responsible for pet injury claims in 2008.
1. Snake
2. Coyote
3. Raccoon
4. Squirrel
5. Scorpion (Arizona)
6. Javelina (feral pig-like creatures in the southwest)
7. Porcupine
8. Ground Hog
9. Skunk
10. Rat
Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Snakebites, however, may require antivenin and scorpion stings may cause allergic reactions requiring antihistamines. “Whether in urban or rural areas, pet owners should be aware of the danger posed by wild animals,” says Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.
SEPTEMBER 2009 SUBSCRIBER AND CUSTOMER SPECIALS
The August special of 20% OFF all orders of $25 or more was very well received, so we are continuing it through September 30, 2009
20% OFF all orders of $25 or more.
FREE catnip balls with every order.
FREE Spot, Stain & Odor Eliminator with every order ($12.95 value)
FREE Odor Eliminating All Purpose Cleaner too with orders over $50. ($10.95 value)
To save 20% click here http://www.odorbgoneproducts.com Use coupon code TWW
Thank you!
Dave Gannon
