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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
SEPT/OCT/NOV 2016
20 Years Emergency Veterinary Medicine Behind Us. ANIMAL PAWS Please call for FREE consultation. Last minute bookings for existing clients. (no late fee) BONDED & INSURED Nominated by National Animal Pet Sitting Association for 2015 for one of the Best Pet Sitting Services in the Nation. PETS ENJOY BEING HOME! Pet Sitting, LLC 16 Years of Loving Professional Pet Sitting Experience Cell 908-963-0311 emai l: michele@animalpaws.net animalpaws.org Vacations, daily dog walking, overnight stays, client education on animal care. We do transportation, give insulin injections, SQ fluids, dog hikes. “Like Us” on Facebook at The Connection Magazines to get the latest news, events & offers in your neighborhood! Scan this code with your smart phone to “Like Us” today or visit The Connection Magazines on Facebook The Connection Magazines PO Box 4081 • Warren www.theconnectionsnj.com email : Connectionsnj gmail.com 908-903-1799 Fax 732-667-8488 This summer one of our client’s dog was bit- ten by a snake. NO WORRIES he is fine. So I wanted to write about bites and how to pre- pare for it and avoid it. It’s in the genes. Dogs and cats are natural hunters and often go in search of smaller ani- mals as prey. But like humans, they can expe- rience allergic or inflammatory reactions or worse if bitten or stung by a venomous crea- ture. Most injuries occur on the face or in the mouth since cats and dogs snap at or catch the flying and crawling critters in their mouths, but they can also sit or step on a stinging insect, arachnid or venomous reptile. ADVICE FOR PREVENTION: 1. Keep down the insect population by not leaving food outside and using pet-safe insecticides around your yard. Consider growing plants (such as lemongrass or cat- nip) or lighting citronella candles (if safe around pets) that cause insects to stay away. 2. Clear debris piles and leaves from locations where pets hang out. 3. Prevent pets from sniffing under and around sheds, foundations, basements and damp areas, including places where hoses are stored, near water spigots and leaky plumbing – basically cool, dark, damp loca- tions. 4. I know it is hard if you go to a new area for hiking but keep dogs on leash until you sur- face new areas for dangerous critters. 5. Stick to open paths, as heavily travelled areas are less likely inhabited by reptiles. 6. Don’t let pets sniff under rocks and logs (it is where snakes hide out). Do your best to step on fallen logs rather than over them to cover hiding places underneath and pre- vent the snake from striking as you and your dog step over. 7. Eliminate garbage, wood piles and even ivy from pet play areas. These are favorite locales of mice and where mice hang out… Snakes line up for dinner. WHEN THE WORSE HAPPENS If you don’t see the incident occur, basic signs and symptoms of a bite or sting include swelling to a body part, pawing at face, lick- ing paws or the site of the sting and breath- ing difficulty. In severe cases… chills, breath- ing difficulty, vomiting, pain, fever, rash, diar- rhea, lethargy, muscle tremors or rigidness, paralysis (including of the lungs) and shock may occur. If you notice any of the following symp- toms, which usually occur within one hour, seek veterinary assistance immediately: 1. Severe and profuse swelling, entire face as opposed to just the lip. 2. Difficulty breathing or increased respiratory effort possibly due to the throat swelling shut. 3. Very pale or blue-tinged mucous membranes. 4. Rapid and or irregular pulse. 5. Prolonged capillary refill time. 6. Below normal body temperature less than 100F. If your pet is bitten by a venomous snake, three steps you must follow: 1. Keep bite wound below level of heart to prevent speedy absorption to heart. 2. Keep animal calm – the faster he moves, the faster the venom circulates. 3. Get to an animal ER at once! Treatment should begin within 30 minutes of the bite, and it takes 30 minutes to mix the antidote. I would call ER ahead to inform them what has happen. Some clinics are starting to carry a reconstituted version. DO NOT cut over bite and try to suck out the poison. DO NOT manipulate the bitten area or allow the pet to move freely. DO NOT place an ice pack over bite which will concentrate the toxin causing extensive, irreparable tissue damage. Call your veterinarian if you think this has happened to your 2 & 4 footed babies. SPIDER STINGS AND SNAKE BITES By: Michele Patanio, Animal Paws Pet Sitting LLC 908-963-0311 animalpaws.net Hi hope your summer was great. Ours at Animal Paws was wonderful with all our 2 & 4 footed little ones. Hiking swimming cuddling and lots of love to all our friends. www.theconnectionsnj.com