Dangers of antifreeze for pets

With winter in full force we thought we would talk about poisining by antifreeze.
Antifreeze is a common freeze preventative used in car engines. Its sweet scent and taste is appetizing to dogs and cats, who will drink the liquid if left unattended. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and causes kidney failure; even a small amount can be fatal to a pet in just a few days.
As little as two ounces of conventional antifreeze can kill a dog and only one teaspoon is enough to poison a cat. Toxicologists report that EG antifreeze, once inside the body, is changed into a crystalline acid which attacks the kidneys.
Treatment for this condition is dependent on how early the pet is seen after ingestion, but may include inducing vomiting, inserting charcoal in the stomach to bind antifreeze in the intestine, kidney dialysis, and even kidney transplantation.
Unfortunately, the kidney damage caused by anti-freeze is severe and permanent.
So, keep both new and used antifreeze in sealed containers, out of reach of pets. Clean up any spills of antifreeze on driveways and other surfaces. Keep pets confined when changing or working with antifreeze. Consider the use of alternative antifreeze products that are less toxic to pets. One company that we found is called Sierra Antifreeze. It is propylene glycol based and can be used for most winterizing needs. It is certainly less toxic than traditional antifreeze. But, the ASPCA says that any antifreeze is not truly non-toxic. Both propylene glycol and methyl alcohol have the potential to cause gastrointestinal irritation, central nervous system depression, and even death from respiratory failure in severe cases. No matter what the type of antifreeze you use, remember to keep your unused product away from pets.

If you suspect that your pet has drank anti-freeze, please rush them to the veterinary clinic immediately for treatment.

Signs of ingestion are:

• Depression·
• Staggering·
• Vomiting·
• Seizures·
• Extreme Thirst·
• Abdominal Sensitivity

Treatment for antifreeze poisoning needs to begin as soon after ingestion as possible to be effective.

Mickey's Pet Supplies cares about pets and would like pet parents to be informed about pet safety.

Paws for Life Donation Day at Mickey's Pet Supplies

Mickey's Pet Supplies will be donating 10% off all their sales to Paws For Life Rescue Organization today January 18th.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mickeys-Pet-supplies/68502870228#!/paws.for.life.rescue
Shop to help benefit a wonderful rescue group- We will doing our
donation on every other Tuesday, beginnning January 18th.
Paws for Life Rescue and Adoption (PFL) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit animal welfare organization run by a group of hard-working, dedicated volunteers. PFL rescues homeless, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. PFL uses a network of loving foster care homes where animals stay until their forever homes are found.The organization’s mission is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. PFL believes in matching animals and families to find the right fit for everyone, promising to exhaust all efforts to place adoptable pets in lifelong, loving homes. PFL’s goal is to find the best homes possible for the homeless pets in our care.The organization focuses on humane legislation and education initiatives to permanently improve the lives, safety and future for companion animals in Michigan and surrounding areas.
PFL has no paid staff and receives no government support. Every penny donated goes directly to the animals in our care, paying vet bills and purchasing needed supplies.In addition to rescue, PFL devotes resources to numerous local and national humane campaigns, such as End Dogfighting, Feral Cat TNR and Stopping Puppy Mills, as well as participation in community and National Disaster Animal Response Teams.
So tell your friends and family and help support animals in need. They are always in need of funds to help treat neglected, abused and homeless animals.
Shop every other Tuesday and 10% of all our profits will be sent to Paws for Life.
Take a look at the wonderful adoptable cats and dogs on Petfinder from PFL
http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=MI613&preview=1

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Dogs

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.

Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

Don't Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.

A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

Article from ASPCA website.

Mickey's Pet Supplies- The largest source of Free Range Moo brand dog chews, natural pet supplies, Wholesome Hide rawhides, high quality interactive dog and cat toys, Lead free ceramic dog bowls and cat bowls and more. 877-863-5431 Free shipping on $75 order.We offer very personal service with 100% customer satisfaction. Our customers are repeat customers.

How to keep your dog from chewing up toys

We thought this article was worth sharing. Animal behaviorist talks about how to keep your dog from chewing up their toys.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2011749005_dogtoys01.html

Some of the toys that we find the best for aggressive chewers are the Canine Genius Mike and Leo dog toys.
They serve as treat dispensing toys or just really durable toys that your dog can toss and carry.
The Premier Kibble Nibble is also fantastic for alleviating boredom. Fill it with Premier Buddy Ohs.

Dogs do destructive behavior when they are bored. Besides taking your dog for walks, you need to stimulate their mind with things that activate their mind too. The Nina Ottosson puzzle toys are truly wonderful for bringing out the natural seek and find instinct in your dog.

Lisa Moore, animal behaviorist, also suggests giving your dog chew treats. We try everything on our dog. She is our tester for the chews.
Not all chews are created equal. We follow the Whole Dog Journal for new products and try to obtain samples to try. We only carry the highest quality dog treats and Free Range dog chews- all made in the USA.
Wholesome Hide rawhides are a great chew for those times that you want to just keep your dog occupied and quiet.

The Aikiou dog bowl feeder doubles as a slow feed dog bowl and treat dispensing toy. you can fill it with kibble at meal time and also
put high quality, healthy treats inside the compartments when you would like to have some quality interactive play time with your
dog.

Its so nice outside, so take advantage of the weather and work with your friend on fetch and retrieval training,
We like the Kyjen Fetch and Retrieve training tube. It's perfect for taking out for your trail time and filling with her favorite healthy treat. The idea is so simple. you throw the tube and ask her to bring it to you. When she appropriately releases the tube reward her with a treat from inside.

Mickey's Pet Supplies is an all natural pet store for holistic pet supplies, interactive, durable dog toys, vitamins, supplements, organic dog treats, dog chews and cat toys.
We are a family owned store with 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, low prices and Free shipping on your order of $75 or more.
http://www.mickeyspetsupplies.com/