During October, we highlight a few amazing shelter dogs looking for a loving home. It’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and this time, we’re featuring five pups from Animal Friends Humane Society in Hamilton, OH.
Let’s get started with this good boy, Chief.
3-Year-Old Chief
Chief’s owner had to surrender this beautiful boy. He’s looking for an active family to have fun with! He’s been at the shelter since August and looks forward to meeting you. Here are a few details:
“He’s super observant and very high energy. He’s naturally attuned to kids and would make an incredible playmate for school aged kiddos. His second favorite jobs is herding his people. His ideal home has little ones and someone who is around during the day. He’s a friendly pup and loves to give kisses. Chief is really smart and already knows sit, down, come, leave it, drop it, shake, all done, and ball commands. He needs some reinforcement with stay. He will paw you when he needs to go outside. He is house trained and doesn’t have accidents.”
Not only is Eugene sweet and adorable, but his adoption fee has been paid for by an Animal Friends Humane Society donor. He doesn’t seem to get along with cats, but has enjoyed the company of another dog in his foster home. AFHS also adds:
“Eugene is a very sweet, calm, houseguest. He’s house trained, and doesn’t mess with anything if left alone. Eugene is darling and would just love someone to be his companion.”
Luna came to AFHS in July as a stray. When the shelter called her owners, they didn’t want her back! How terribly sad. She’s such a sweet girl, and here’s more information:
“She recently went on a dog date and they said she was great with the kids, their Pomeranian dog, and everyone she met. She seemed house trained and walked well on the leash. She enjoyed playing with the other dog and going for a walk at the park.”
Marley is a cuddler! He’s a little older and slower, but that much sweeter. He’s been with AFHS since September and it currently being fostered. Here’s what his foster family says about him:
“Introducing Marley, a delightful companion ready to steal your heart! This charming dog has settled into his foster home beautifully and is showing off his sweet personality every day. He’s eager to embrace life and all the love it has to offer!”
Deidre is an active girl with lots of energy! She’s also been looking for her forever family since December of last year. Maybe she’s just the friend you’ve been looking for. More about Deidre:
“I love hiking, creeking, and anything that involves being in water or in the woods! I know basic commands although heel is not my forte. My date says I do pretty good on a leash once I get my wiggles out. My date also says that I do well with car rides and older kids! I have a special heart on the back of my head because I am so sweet!”
If Chief, Eugene, Marley, Luna or Deidre have spoken to your heart, reach out to Animal Friends Humane Society. You’ll want to learn more about the shelter’s adoption policies, and fill out an adoption application form. And until October 15, dog adoptions are only $25!
Celebrate ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog’ Month with Animal Adoption Foundation
October in Ohio is the perfect time for bonfires, flannel, fall parties and… learning about wonderful shelter dogs! It’s Adopt a Shelter Dog month. Let’s check in with Animal Adoption Foundation for four awesome pups ready to find their forever families.
A Beagle Named Copper
Copper is named for his beautiful coat color. He is a medium-sized male dog– and just look at his beautiful, soulful eyes. He’s house-trained and gets along with other dogs and cats. He seems like he would be an adventurous, loyal friend!
This beautiful boy is named Corky. We love his unusual coat pattern. He’s an adult, medium-sized dog. His soft ears are just begging to be rubbed, and we hope he gets to cuddle up on his new family’s couch soon!
What a sweet, silly face! JoBee is a young Boxer-Lab mix, born in 2020. He’s friendly with other dogs, but would prefer a home without cats. AAF shares:
“He was found as a stray in Indiana by another rescue group, who brought him to AAF. He is a friendly boy, with plenty of energy to run and play. He has dog friends here at AAF and is also treat motivated…. He also needs a home without kids or kids that are older than 12.”
We hope you enjoyed learning more about Copper, Corky, Cricket and JoBee. If one of these pups would be a welcome addition to your family, reach out to Animal Adoption Foundation. Or, share their stories with anyone you know looking to adopt a dog.
Leptospirosis is a Bacterial Disease Increasing in Dogs
The AVMA monitors the spectrum of diseases that affect animals and adjusts its recommendation as the environment changes. In recent years, the organization has recognized increasing leptospirosis cases in dogs and now recommends all dogs receive the lepto vaccination.
Leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which is found in soil and water. It’s a zoonotic disease, which means it affects people and some animals, including dogs, livestock, rats, deer, opossums and skunks.
Veterinarian Dr. Myers explains how dogs may contract the disease:
“The bacteria is spread in the urine of infected animals. Dogs can contract the disease by coming into contact with infected urine in standing water, streams, lakes or recently contaminated soil. The bacteria can enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes or a small cut in the skin or paw pad.”
Do We Need to Worry about Lepto in Cincinnati?
In one 14-year study on canine leptospirosis, researchers found that the disease is most common in the Midwest, East, Southwest and certain counties in Appalachia. Suburban areas and deciduous forests were locations with the highest probabilities of leptospirosis cases. The Cincinnati area matches this description, being in the Midwest region with large areas of forested suburbs.
Symptoms of Lepto
The AVMA reports that the symptoms of lepto in dogs start out fairly generalized:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Lethargy
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes)
Dehydration
Drinking or urinating more than usual
Weight loss
Stiffness or muscle pain
However, the disease can progress to life-threatening kidney and/or liver failure. Also, it can spread to humans.
Your dog and family will benefit from being vaccinated against leptospirosis. Contact us, and we’ll be glad to answer your questions and schedule an appointment.
Information that MAY Help Your Cat or Dog Live Happy Again
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and we are bringing awareness to two newer medications that are helping cats and dogs with significant pain relief associated with osteoarthritis.
Cats hide almost everything, especially pain. A good way to tell if your cat might be dealing with osteoarthritis (OA) pain is to assess if they are having trouble doing some of these things:
Jumping up or down
Climbing up and down stairs
Chasing moving objects
Running
You can help get your cat back to their “normal” with Solensia. It’s a monthly injection administered here in the office, and your cat processes the medication like naturally-made antibodies.
Librela for Dogs Suffering with Osteoarthritis
Your dog’s “slowing down” might not be a natural result of aging. It could be pain. Is your dog showing signs of osteoarthritis (OA) pain?
Limping after exercise
Slow to rise
Lagging behind on walks
Difficulty with stairs
Feeling stiff
Difficulty jumping
Give your dog more days of play! Ask us about Librela. This monthly injectable has given many dogs relief from pain and helped them live more active lives. And it’s safer than some other pain relief options, because your dog processes the medication like natural antibodies.
It’s important to know that there’s no cure for OA, but these new medications help manage the pain from the disease. We’ve experienced great results in our patients, and we’d love to talk with you about the possibilities. Contact us.
Since 2018, the Pet Poison Helpline has been tracking Toxin Trends by state and making them publicly available. The data are derived from cases called into the organization. In Ohio, you can see that dogs represent the top species encountered at this hotline.
Top 20 Pet Toxins in Ohio Explained
Here’s the graph for the pet toxins that are most commonly the culprit for calls to the helpline. (Remember, dogs represent 90% of these cases).
Some of these items are well-known, like chocolate. Others seem obscure, like #2 on the list, bromethalin. Let’s explore each a little further.
Carprofen: This veterinary anti-inflammatory pain medication also made it to the top 10 list last year. It’s important to follow dosage instructions given by your veterinarian.
Amphetamine combos and methylphenidate: Includes common ADHD medications, along with illicit drugs like ecstasy.
Beta-blockers: Common human heart medications.
Acetaminophen: Common over-the-counter human pain reliever and fever reducer, i.e, Tylenol.
Lilies (Lilium species): True lilies, along with all flowers that look like lilies, are particularly toxic to cats. This includes every part of the plant, from flower to root.
Onions (Allium species): Includes all members of the species, like garlic, shallots, leeks and chives.
Allergy medications: Any medicine with D in the name, i.e., Claritin D or Mucinex D.
Thyroid hormone medication: Large overdoses are the main area of concern.
Cholecalciferol rotenticide: One of the most potent rat and mouse poisons, it’s activated vitamin D3.
Melatonin: Common human supplement, can be found in gummy form
Lisinopril (Zestril): One of the ACE-inhibitors, which is a common heart medication in humans.
Top Symptoms of Pet Toxicity in Ohio
The Pet Poison Helpline also tracks reports of signs of toxicity that caused pet owners to reach out. There are 13 on the list, which is topped by vomiting and drowsiness.
For Emergencies, Save the Pet Poison Helpline Number
Anytime of day or night, you can reach the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. As of this writing, the fee is $85.
Here are their recommended steps if you suspect your pet is experiencing an emergency after exposure to a pet toxin.
From Unexpected (Marijuana) to Perennial (Chocolate), Here are the Most Common Pet Toxins
The Pet Poison Helpline released its Top 10 Pet Poisons for 2023, and there are some notable entries for pet parents to be on the lookout for. Here’s the list, which takes into account all species of pet.
Marijuana Toxicity in Pets
New to the list this year is marijuana. The Pet Poison Helpline reports that it’s mostly dogs who encounter this toxicity. With the passage of Ohio’s Issue 2, we expect to see more cases in our state. On December 7, it became legal to possess marijuana and grow it at home.
The Pet Poison Helpline also provides stats on the pets it serves. Of all incident calls over the year:
88% dogs
11% cats
1% other species, like birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species
Food Toxicities
It’s not surprising that chocolate tops the list, as it’s widely-available and undeniably tasty. Grapes and raisins are of special note, because their toxicity doesn’t seem to be as well-known as other foods. The same goes for onions.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in many sugar-free candies, gums, desserts and recipes. We explored this pet toxin previously: Why is Xylitol Toxic for Dogs?
Medicine Toxicities
Human medicines aren’t meant for animals. Ibuprofen (Advil) is third on the list of most-common toxicities, and Vitamin D3 is a somewhat surprising addition. This list is a good reminder to keep all medicines out of reach of pets (and kids).
Veterinary medicines can also cause toxicity in the wrong dosage or if used for an extended period of time. Carprofen is a common NSAID used to treat pain and inflammation in animals, but overuse or overdose can cause toxicity. Fortunately, there are new treatments available to help with osteoarthritis pain, which we’ve written about:
It’s truly sad when a pet ingests any rat poisons. Both bromethalin and anticoagulant rat poisons make the top 10 list. Rats are mammals, just like cats and dogs, so these poisons are indiscriminately toxic. We recommend using a different form of pest control.
We recently shared information about Solensia, a monthly injectable to relieve osteoarthritis (OA) pain in cats. It’s a wonderful innovation, since medicines and therapies available to cats are often limited, because a cat’s kidneys can’t process them. If your cat’s quality of life is suffering from pain, we hope you’ll reach out to our office to learn more about Solensia.
Cats Benefit from Solensia. Librela is for Dogs
Osteoarthritis pain is also very common in dogs, especially as they age. You may notice these symptoms of OA pain in your dog:
Limping after exercise
Going slower than normal during walks
Getting up slowly from lying down
Unwillingness or inability to jump in the car or on the sofa
Moving stiffly
Difficulty with stairs
It’s hard to see our dogs in pain, but many pain relief options can have side effects on the liver and kidneys. Fortunately, Librela is a monthly injectable that the body processes like natural antibodies.
Clinical studies have shown that Librela is both safe and effective at controlling OA pain in dogs. When a dog is not in pain, they live a more active and happier life, and we really encourage you to look into this therapy.
New Innovations in Veterinary Science Improve Care for Cats
Historically, cats have not enjoyed all the veterinary medicine options available to dogs. Their kidneys simply cannot handle the same medications as their canine counterparts.
But all the conventional wisdom is changing, thanks to new research and the resulting treatments now available to cats. Solensia is a particular treatment that can control osteoarthritis pain in cats, which is a more common condition than many pet owners may know.
How to Tell if Your Cat is Affected by Arthritis
The signs of arthritis can be more subtle in cats than other animals. WebMD Pets shares this list:
“Reluctance or hesitance to jump up or down
Difficulty going up or down stairs
Limping
Stiffness in the legs, especially after resting or sleeping
Difficulty using their litter box
Irritability
Reduced levels of activity
Less time spent on their grooming
Reduced height when jumping
Hiding or sleeping more than normal”
Solensia is a Monthly Injectable to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Cats
We’re very optimistic about the monthly injectable Solensia to help cats suffering from osteoarthritis pain. Once a month, you stop by the office for your cat’s injection. As the pain subsides, your cat feels free to go back to their “normal” life– jumping, zooming, playing and climbing. From the website:
“77% of cat owners experienced seeing improvement in signs of pain when their cats were treated monthly with Solensia in a 3-month study. In a study, Solensia was shown to increase mobility in cats after a single treatment.”
Before-and-After Solensia Video
Check out this video to learn more about Solensia may help improve your pet’s quality of life.
If you’re concerned about arthritis and your cat, please reach out to us. We can start a conversation about helping your cat live a happier, pain-free life.
Check out these three activities for outdoor fun all summer long. There are plenty of date options to fit your schedule. We just love pet-friendly events!
Dogs & Doughnuts at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
Enjoy a stroll through the 300+ acres of beautiful Pyramid Hill Sculpture park with your pup! Plus, enjoy light refreshments (like doughnuts!) and a special craft activity each date.
Price: Included with Park admission (Free for members, non-members are up to $10/person)
June 3: Joni Fleming will draw complementary caricatures of you and your pup(s)
July 1: Craft activity TBA
August 5: Craft activity TBA
October 1: Adoption event with Animal Friends Humane Society
Saturdays from 7-9:30 PM, bring your family and pets to to this Lawrenceburg, IN winery for an outdoor music festival, featuring different artists each evening. Bring a picnic and enjoy a wine tasting. Here are a few of the musical acts on the schedule:
June 3: Mark Scheper, Trop Rock, Beach Boys
June 10: Josh Wells, Acoustic Classical Country
June 17: Ethan Hopper, covers and originals
June 24: Boomerang, cello, guitar and violin trio covers 70s-90s
At the Barn Winery
4152 N Dearborn Road
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Washington Park Dog Park: Washington Park, across from Music Hall, offers a fenced-in dog play space. It features a water feature, cement and artificial turf (so no mud!)
Sharon Woods Park: Hike beautiful trails with your leashed pet. There are plenty of wooded and lakeside areas.
Simmonds Family Dog Park: A park designed just for dogs! Four fenced-in areas for small dogs, large dogs, agility and all dogs.
“are able to provide unconditional love, emotional support, comfort, joy, and a pleasant distraction from the everyday stresses in life by allowing our pets to interact and bond with the people they meet.”
Fox19 featured canine and aquatic therapy earlier this month, diving into the research that shows the benefits of pet therapy for reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Animals also help us release endorphins, that help us feel better while reducing stress and anxiety.
Therapy pets from Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati serve many types of communities and populations. They visit:
Schools
Hospitals
Retirement communities
Libraries
Colleges
And more
For instance, teen and tweens can interact with therapy dogs at the Covington branch of the Kenton County Public Library on Mondays in summer from 12:15 – 1:30PM.
Location to hold meetings or Therapy Team Evaluations
Donation of copy/print services for workshop handouts
Contact us about other special equipment or needs (for workshops, etc.)
Of course, you may wish to volunteer with your pet!
Pet Therapy Cincinnati: Which Animals Can Be Therapy Animals?
Many domesticated animals can become therapy pets. We have all seen therapy dogs, but also consider:
Horses
Cats
Rabbits
Goats
Llamas
Cockatoos
African gray parrots
And more!
Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati cautions that wild or exotic animals like snakes, ferrets or lizards cannot be therapy pets.
Pet Therapy Cincinnati: Pet Therapy Guidelines
Therapy pets need to have a certain disposition, including being friendly with strangers and enjoying human touch. The animal also needs to be well-cared for and properly groomed. For dogs, specifically, there are certain obedience training guidelines:
Dogs must walk docilely on a leash, turning with their human and stopping when the human stops
Dogs need to remain calm in crowds and with loud noises
Dogs should follow basic commands like sit, lay down and stay
Dogs should come when called
Dogs need to behave around other dogs
There are many guidelines provided by Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati. Check them out here. If you decide pet therapy is a good fit for you and your pet, enjoy serving our community in this important way!
