PET PERSPECTIVE: Are you ready to adopt a pet?

Originally published in the North County Times Aug. 20

Adopting a pet is a fulfilling, exciting experience, but the decision to add a furry friend to your family should not be entered into lightly. We want every adoption at the Escondido Humane Society to be a lifelong success, and it's always difficult to see pets come to the shelter because their families couldn't care for them or weren't prepared for the responsibility.

If you and your family have decided that it's the right time to adopt a pet, do your research and take the time to consider what type of pet pal will fit best into your lifestyle. Here are some important factors to consider:

Think adoption first: I encourage everyone to visit their local shelter or favorite breed rescue group to adopt. There are hundreds of homeless animals who are waiting for a second chance, and I can personally attest to how wonderful they are.

Your life plans: Be honest with yourself about any big life events on the horizon that may affect your ability to meet your pet's needs. Will you be moving? Will you be expanding your human family? The average life expectancy for dogs and cats is 10 to 15 years, so please be sure you are ready for the lifetime commitment that comes with adoption.

Your living situation: Are you a renter? Many landlords have size and breed restrictions, or they may not allow pets at all, so you will need to have a conversation with your landlord before committing to a new pet. The size of your home will play a role in the type of pet you'll be able to accommodate. If you live in an apartment, a small dog or one with a lower energy level might be best. Or, consider adding a cat or bunny to your household instead ---- they make wonderful apartment and condo dwellers.

Your finances: Adopting a pet is more than a one-time expense. Pets require annual vaccinations, trips to the vet, healthy food, bedding, toys, grooming and medications. If you aren't financially secure, hold off on adoption.

Your lifestyle: Consider how much time you will have to dedicate to your new pet. If you are always working late and don't have the resources for training, that adorable but high-energy Jack Russell may not be for you. On the other hand, a slightly older, independent pet may be just right. Puppies and kittens need gentle handling and are vulnerable to injury, plus they have sharp teeth and nails that can hurt children, so if you have kids you might want to consider an older, more mature dog or cat instead.

Imagine the personality and needs of your perfect pet, but try to be flexible as you look for your new family member. You may be surprised to see who ends up being the perfect match for you.:

Critter Control: Tips for Fighting Fleas

Originally published on Poway Patch Aug. 12:

The recent heat wave is a sure sign that we are in the Dog Days of Summer. Since summer is typically flea and tick season, now is a good opportunity to share some tips for banishing these pests from our pets and homes.

If you already have fleas:

There are countless products on the market that promise to prevent and treat fleas on our pets. It can be overwhelming when faced with so many options. Your first step should always be to consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about flea and tick control for your pet. He or she can counsel you and help you make the best selection for your family.

Just some of the options include shampoos, sprays, powders, dips, tablets, flea collars, combs and topical medications that are applied directly to your pet’s skin, such as Advantage or Frontline. If you opt for the topical medications, please read the label carefully to ensure it’s appropriate for your pet’s species, age and weight and that you use the right dosage. Never apply a product meant for dogs on your cat, and vice versa. To keep the fleas under control, bathe your pet regularly and use a comb to catch the pests and drown them in water.

If you find fleas on your pet, it’s a safe bet that they are in your carpet and furniture as well. Vacuum all the carpeting in your house and dispose of the bag or canister contents outside. There are sprays and powders available for purchase at your local pet store that are designed specifically for your furniture, carpet and rugs. Read all labels carefully first, and consult with your veterinarian to see what they recommend. Wash all of your pets bedding and treat outdoor areas that your pets frequent.

Prevent fleas and ticks from becoming a problem:

Shrubbery and brush are prime spots for fleas and ticks to latch onto him. If your pet likes to go into shrubs and overgrowth, be sure to inspect him or her for pests afterward. Also try to keep your grass at home groomed and avoid letting your shrubs or yard get overgrown. Keep all of your pet’s bedding clean, and vacuum regularly in areas where your pet spends much of his or her time.

Fleas are more than just pesky – they also can be dangerous to our pets. We hope these tips will help you and your pet stay happy, healthy and flea-free this summer!

Forbidden Foods: Pets Can’t Just Eat Anything

Originally published on Poway Patch July 29:

It’s always tempting to sneak our pets scraps of people food from the table, especially when they're looking at you with those big, brown eyes. But there are so many foods that are dangerous and even deadly to our pets. Some of the items on this list may surprise you, so hopefully this compilation will be a good reference tool for all pet parents (and a reminder that only dog and cat food should be in their dishes):

Chocolate, coffee, caffeine: These products contain substances called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate, while white chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines. Baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado: This one actually surprised me, since I’ve heard of people feeding their dogs avocado to give them a shiny coat. But the leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.
Grapes and raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure.

Yeast dough: Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture.

Raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones: Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as salmonella and e. coli that can be harmful to pets. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw bones can pose choking hazards, and bone splinters can become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Xylitol: Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure.

Onions, garlic, chives: These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.

Milk: I have to admit that I let my cat drink out of my cereal bowl once I was done. But pets don’t have significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), so milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt: Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets.

It's a Furry Friendzy at EHS!

Help us kick off the ASPCA $100K Challenge at our "Furry Friendzy" Adopt-a-Thon! We're opening our doors to the public at 8 a.m. and won't close them until 8 p.m. Aug. 1. We are waiving our dog and cat adoption fees to make it easier to add a furry friend to your family.

Everyone is invited to attend the festivities. Even if you aren't ready to adopt, please come out to support us as the only San Diego County shelter participating in the ASPCA $100K Challenge.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

*  You'll meet lots of wonderful dogs and cats (and bunnies) who are ready for loving homes.

*  The first 25 adopters will receive goodie bags. All adopters will receive a coupon for a free photo with their new family member.

*  8 a.m.: Free Starbucks coffee

*  11 a.m.: Pet owners disaster preparedness seminar (please R.S.V.P. to media@escondidohumanesociety.org)

* 1:30 p.m.: Ask a Veterinarian - Summertime tips (please R.S.V.P. to media@escondidohumanesociety.org)

* 4-8 p.m.: Food and refreshments

* 7 p.m.: Live music by Hot Pursuit Music Entertainment - www.HotPursuitMusic.com. They were voted #1 over 41 other San Diego music entertainment companies in the 10News A-List Contest, so you won't want to miss this!

For updates on our Furry Friendzy and other upcoming promotions and events, "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. If you share our updates on your social media sites be sure to use the #100KChallenge hash tag. The ASPCA is tracking community engagement through social media, and we have a shot at a $25,000 grant!

Gardening with pets in mind

Originally published on Poway Patch July 15:

One summer when I was in college I tried my hand at gardening. I have to admit that I don’t exactly have a green thumb, but I worked hard to nurture my little garden and watched in excitement as my flowers blossomed.

My dog at the time, Bella, must have been watching in excitement, too. In her eyes, she finally had the perfect spot to bury her bone.

I can look back on that scenario now and laugh, but at the time it was a little frustrating to see all of my hard work dug up by the paws of my dog. Now that summer is upon us again and seasonal gardens are sprouting up, I thought I would offer some tips on protecting your plants and your pets.

Do your research: Before you even consider planting a garden, it’s important to keep in mind that many plants and pesticides are dangerous and even deadly to our pets. Toxic plants include daffodils, lilies (especially for cats), yews, laurels, laburnum, azaleas, foxglove, philodendrons and rhubarb, garlic, onions, chives, grapes and tomato plant leaves. I recommend checking the ASPCA website before getting started on your garden. They offer an in-depth list of toxic and non-toxic plants and include photos to make identification easier.

Certain landscapes also pose dangers to our pets. Avoid cocoa mulch, which contains the toxic element also present in chocolate, and be careful with rocks and mulch, which can become stuck in your dog’s digestive tract if ingested and can be hard on your pup’s paws.

Pesticide-free zone: Use fertilizers and pesticides as sparingly as possible and consider using natural ways to fight pests and weeds. If you do use chemicals, keep your pets away from the area altogether.

Sturdy plants: I learned the hard way that dogs are good at tearing up new plants. Larger plants are sturdier and less likely to be disturbed. Some attractive, sturdy plants include peony, creeping phlox, verbena, coneflower, black-eyed Susans, Shasta daisy, Liriope, Russian sage, Mexican primrose, serviceberry, ninebark, mock orange, dogwood, lilac, pine, butterfly bush and quince.

Thorned bushes will discourage some dogs, but be careful not to plant varieties with long, sharp points.
If you prefer smaller plants, try using a tomato cage or something similar to protect them. Pieces of driftwood are a great natural option for keeping your dog away from planted areas.

Give your pets a space of their own: Create a path in your garden so your dog doesn’t have to run through your sensitive plant beds. Use soil rather than mulch or gravel, since dogs see loose materials as the perfect place for digging.

With some research and planning, you can have a safe, beautiful garden that you and your pets can enjoy. Happy gardening!

PET PERSPECTIVE: We are responsible for our pets' manners

--Originally published in the North County Times July 9:

As pet owners, we have a responsibility ---- to people and other pets ---- to manage our furry companions and ensure they are always on their best behavior. When you think about it, pet etiquette is really no different from human etiquette: We both have unspoken rules and guidelines for behaving in public, and we're both expected to be considerate of our neighbors and our community.

There are breaches of etiquette that really drive me crazy, and I'm sure you have your own peeves when it comes to "petiquette." Here are a few tips for having a socially dependable canine companion:

Always leash your dog: Allowing your dog to run off-leash is more than just poor etiquette. It's illegal and dangerous. San Diego County has a 6-foot leash law that is designed to protect both our dogs and the public. Leashed dogs are safe from cars and other hazards, and they can't get themselves into trouble by chasing other animals or children, digging in people's yards or knocking over garbage cans. If you insist on letting your dog run off leash, do some research to find designated off-leash areas, such as parks or beaches.

Never assume: Never assume that it's OK to approach a dog without asking its owner first. My pooch Blue is afraid of other dogs, so it can be traumatic for both of us when strange canines approach him quickly or get in his face. If you see another dog and owner approaching, always ask whether it's OK to say hi, and respect their response.

Always pick up after your dog: There really is no excuse for not cleaning up after your dog. Always bring along plenty of bags to pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. Make sure that your dog potties on the dirt or curb ---- not on someone's lawn.

Don't assume, part 2: Don't assume that everyone is going to love your dog or cat. If you have people coming to your home, don't force your pets onto them. Try to clean up all the pet hair and let prospective guests know that you have animals ---- especially if they have allergies.

Good manners: Teach your dog basic manners, such as sit, down and settle. Excited dogs sometimes jump on people, which can be annoying, dangerous and scary to those who are nervous around animals. A good solution is to have your dog sit before you introduce him to people.

Don't self-invite your dog: Don't ask whether you can bring your dog to someone's home. If he's welcome to join you, your host will let you know. It's even worse to bring your dog along without an invitation.

Address noise complaints: Here at the Escondido Humane Society, we receive dozens of barking-dog complaints on a daily basis. We know it may be hard to accept that your dog isn't an angel while you are away from your home, but if you receive a noise complaint, please investigate and implement solutions to keep your noisy dog in check.

Our pets follow our lead and are often reflections of our own personalities and conduct. I hope these pet (and people) etiquette skills will help you and your pooch become perfect ambassadors for responsible pet parenting.

July 4th pet safety

Our animal control officers always brace for July 4 and 5 because we know that there will be a significant number of frightened, lost animals coming through our doors. Here are a few tips to keep your pets happy and safe this Fourth of July (from Poway Patch Pet Parenting Tails):

Food, flags, family and fireworks are just a few of the fun events associated with the Fourth of July. While most celebrations include a wide variety of activities for people and pets alike, there are also a lot of risks for animals associated with this holiday.

If you plan on bringing your furry companion with you to enjoy the festivities this year, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

• Fireworks: The loud noises and fiery blasts associated with these pyrotechnics can be very traumatic for most animals. This stress can take the form of shivering, cowering, destructive chewing rampages or running away to escape. During this time, local animal shelters see a significant upsurge in the number of lost and stray animals coming through their doors.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to leave your pets safe at home for this part of the Independence Day celebration, preferably in a quiet room where there are no windows. Remove any items that your pet could destroy, and turn on a TV or radio to distract your pets from loud noises and help them to relax. It’s also a good idea to create a special area in your home where your pet feels safe, such as a crate or kennel.

• Microchip, microchip, microchip: I can’t say it enough: If you haven’t done so already, please have your pet microchipped. It may not prevent your pet from ending up at a shelter, but it will guarantee a swift reunion in the event they are lost. We provide microchipping here at the Escondido Humane Society for $35, and other shelters offer the service as well. It’s also important to have proper identification on your pet at all times. Be sure to include your phone number and address on the tag.

Should your dog get out, check your local animal shelters. Poway residents (and residents of Escondido and San Marcos) should contact the Escondido Humane Society at (760) 888-BARK to see if your animal is at the shelter. The San Diego Humane Society provides Animal Control services for the cities of Oceanside and Vista; the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services provides Animal Control services for the unincorporated areas of San Diego County and the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee and Solana Beach.

• Uphold the no-scraps rule: There will undoubtedly be an abundance of delicious food available at barbecues and celebrations. Many types of human foods that are present at Independence Day gatherings (avocado, bones, grapes, raisins or onions) are poisonous to dogs. Let your family and friends know not to feed your pet, and remain vigilant in making sure your request is being respected.

• Protect your pet from the sun: Celebrating all day outdoors in the sun will take its toll on your furry friend. Provide your pet with plenty of water and access to shaded areas throughout the day. Beware of hot asphalt, as it can burn the bottom of your pet’s paws and cause painful blisters. Also, protect your pet from the sun with sunscreen. Human sunscreen has certain chemicals that can be harmful to pets if ingested, so be sure to use sunscreen that is made specifically for animals.

• Fourth of July decorations: These ornamental items can easily be mistaken for chew toys. Glow sticks are one dangerous decoration in particular that can pose a serious health threat to your pet if its contents are ingested.

• Look for lighter fluid and matches strewn about: Matches contain chemicals that can cause kidney damage in animals. Furthermore, ingesting lighter fluid can lead to severe breathing problems, gastrointestinal irritation or the depression of the central nervous system. These items are commonly tossed aside on the ground or low surfaces, so be mindful of where they are being stored so that your pet doesn’t have access to them.

• No-alcohol zone: If you and your dog are invited to a barbeque or gathering where alcohol will be served, beware of any unattended drinks. Animals are naturally curious about unknown substances they encounter. If ingested by an animal, alcohol can cause weakness, lethargy, coma or even death.

Happy Fourth of July to you and your pets!