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December has finally come our way and while we look forward to the coming year, we can still make this the best month of 2018! It is called the season of giving and it is a wonderful chance to make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere. There are many organizations who need help keeping the lights on and the animals in their care warm and safe.
With all the fuss and flurry of the season, it can be stressful for everyone. This month we will bring some tips on how to be on the lookout for to keep your fur kids safe from dangers from food, decorations, and health hazards that can come with the cold weather. As always, remember that if we do not have the pet that fulfills all your wishes this season, there are animals in shelters and rescues all over the world looking for a family to share all their love with. From our family to yours, we wish everyone Happy Howlidays and a Happy Mew Year! - ALPRAS Team |
Below we have Five Info-graphics and Food Do's and Don'ts to help keep your Four Legged friends safe and healthy this Season.
So many things happen all at once during this time of year,
its easy to forget or unknowingly put our pets in danger.
With spending extra money already, a surprise vet bill or emergency bill is the last thing on our Christmas List. Lets leave the Harrowing Holiday and Seasonal Scares to October and be proactive in protecting our pets!
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Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Even though our rescue is based in Florida,
it still gets cold (usually a wet cold) and there can be frost on the ground.
It's important to remember that while we can bundle and boot up,
they only have fur and paws to protect them.
Some breeds are very susceptible to cold and damp. Learn more about your dog's breed(s) to make sure you have the best information and way to keep your pup's health at a maximum!
it still gets cold (usually a wet cold) and there can be frost on the ground.
It's important to remember that while we can bundle and boot up,
they only have fur and paws to protect them.
Some breeds are very susceptible to cold and damp. Learn more about your dog's breed(s) to make sure you have the best information and way to keep your pup's health at a maximum!
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Nope Nips and Nibbles
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Merry Un-Munchables
Turkey Skin
Turkey may sound like it would be an awesome treat, but the reality is that our
Turkey Dinner can very dangerous to our pets. All of that fat and seasoning is dangerous for dogs. The fat content can cause Pancreatitis, and as listed below, many salt and seasonings can be harmful to any of our pets. If you do want to share, make sure you cook their meat skinless and without seasonings or bones.
Turkey may sound like it would be an awesome treat, but the reality is that our
Turkey Dinner can very dangerous to our pets. All of that fat and seasoning is dangerous for dogs. The fat content can cause Pancreatitis, and as listed below, many salt and seasonings can be harmful to any of our pets. If you do want to share, make sure you cook their meat skinless and without seasonings or bones.
Onions
Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet's body to burst.
Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet's body to burst.
Cooked Bones
Any bone that breaks into sharp shards is dangerous for your dog or cat.
Never feed cooked fish, chicken, or beef bones as they can easily splinter, damaging gums, teeth, and throat; causing pain and even potential injury. If your dog swallows the shards from these cooked bones, he also runs the risk of internal injury.
Cats can choke on small bones as well and run the risk of the stiffer pieces getting caught in their palate or esophagus potentially even piercing it.
Any bone that breaks into sharp shards is dangerous for your dog or cat.
Never feed cooked fish, chicken, or beef bones as they can easily splinter, damaging gums, teeth, and throat; causing pain and even potential injury. If your dog swallows the shards from these cooked bones, he also runs the risk of internal injury.
Cats can choke on small bones as well and run the risk of the stiffer pieces getting caught in their palate or esophagus potentially even piercing it.
Garlic
Garlic is considered to be about five times as toxic as onions for cats and dogs.
While minute amounts of these foods in some pets, especially dogs, may be safe, large ingestion can be very toxic. It can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells, gastroenteritis, and other clinical signs of anemia. Onion and garlic poisoning may have a delayed onset, and clinical signs may not be apparent for several days.
Garlic is considered to be about five times as toxic as onions for cats and dogs.
While minute amounts of these foods in some pets, especially dogs, may be safe, large ingestion can be very toxic. It can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells, gastroenteritis, and other clinical signs of anemia. Onion and garlic poisoning may have a delayed onset, and clinical signs may not be apparent for several days.
Alchohol
Some alcoholic beverages are more dangerous to dogs and cats than others. Beer contains the lowest concentration of alcohol, usually around 4%. Wine averages 10% alcohol by volume, but some hard liquor can be as high as 90% alcohol.
Even small amounts of hard liquor can potentially kill a small dog or cat.
Some alcoholic beverages are more dangerous to dogs and cats than others. Beer contains the lowest concentration of alcohol, usually around 4%. Wine averages 10% alcohol by volume, but some hard liquor can be as high as 90% alcohol.
Even small amounts of hard liquor can potentially kill a small dog or cat.
Nuts
Nuts some nuts are more dangerous than others but nearly all cause some form of physical distress. All nuts are hard to digest and can give your pet gastroenteritis or cause an obstruction. Walnuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins which can cause neurological issues and seizures. Nuts like Macadamia and Pistachios are rich in fat and like turkey skin can cause pancreatitis. Stick to Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter.
Nuts some nuts are more dangerous than others but nearly all cause some form of physical distress. All nuts are hard to digest and can give your pet gastroenteritis or cause an obstruction. Walnuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins which can cause neurological issues and seizures. Nuts like Macadamia and Pistachios are rich in fat and like turkey skin can cause pancreatitis. Stick to Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin. The small amount of nutmeg used in recipes is very unlikely to cause serious toxicity, though mild stomach upset could occur if a small amount is ingested. If a large amount of nutmeg is ingested, myristicin toxicity can cause symptoms including hallucinations, disorientation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and possibly seizures.
Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin. The small amount of nutmeg used in recipes is very unlikely to cause serious toxicity, though mild stomach upset could occur if a small amount is ingested. If a large amount of nutmeg is ingested, myristicin toxicity can cause symptoms including hallucinations, disorientation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and possibly seizures.
Dough
Unbaked bread dough can be poisonous to dogs and cats. When ingested, the unbaked bread dough expands in the warm, moist environment of the stomach and can result in a bloated stomach (called “bloat”); this can then progress to a
gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV), which is a twisted stomach.
This deserves an immediate trip to the vets office. Bloat can kill quickly!
Unbaked bread dough can be poisonous to dogs and cats. When ingested, the unbaked bread dough expands in the warm, moist environment of the stomach and can result in a bloated stomach (called “bloat”); this can then progress to a
gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV), which is a twisted stomach.
This deserves an immediate trip to the vets office. Bloat can kill quickly!
Chocolate
The toxic component of chocolate is theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system. A small amount of chocolate may only give your dog an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea but depending on size, sensitivity, and prior chocolate exposure, it could be deadly. For cats it can be lethal.
The toxic component of chocolate is theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system. A small amount of chocolate may only give your dog an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea but depending on size, sensitivity, and prior chocolate exposure, it could be deadly. For cats it can be lethal.
Batter
Batter, more often than not contains Raw Eggs. raw eggs can contain Salmonella which can be dangerous to humans and pets. Some batters can cause some of the same effects raw dough can. Additionally, many batters already contain other harmful ingredients which can include various spices, salt, chocolate, nuts, raisins, and sugar. Just like with any of these harmful ingredients, the dog's size is a big factor.
Cats also share issues with some of the ingredients but unlike dogs, who can sometimes have a walking vacuum to trash bin stomach, cats do not. They are not built for digesting many ingredients in human foods and this is definitely one of them.
Batter, more often than not contains Raw Eggs. raw eggs can contain Salmonella which can be dangerous to humans and pets. Some batters can cause some of the same effects raw dough can. Additionally, many batters already contain other harmful ingredients which can include various spices, salt, chocolate, nuts, raisins, and sugar. Just like with any of these harmful ingredients, the dog's size is a big factor.
Cats also share issues with some of the ingredients but unlike dogs, who can sometimes have a walking vacuum to trash bin stomach, cats do not. They are not built for digesting many ingredients in human foods and this is definitely one of them.
Rasins
Grape and raisin (dried grapes) toxicity is well documented in dogs. Although the exact substance that causes the toxic reaction is not yet known, neither dogs nor cats should eat grapes and raisins because even small amounts can prove to be fatally toxic causing Kidney Failure. One or two can be lethal for small dogs and cats.
Grape and raisin (dried grapes) toxicity is well documented in dogs. Although the exact substance that causes the toxic reaction is not yet known, neither dogs nor cats should eat grapes and raisins because even small amounts can prove to be fatally toxic causing Kidney Failure. One or two can be lethal for small dogs and cats.
Xylitol
Xylitol has been shown to be extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs. It can caused many deaths from merely ingesting a piece of gum containing Xylitol to surprising places such as Peanut Butter, Jams and Jellies, Protein Bars, Flavored Water, Cosmetics, Prepackaged goods, and Honey.
Some cats may also be at risk for these factors although research is ongoing.
Xylitol has been shown to be extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs. It can caused many deaths from merely ingesting a piece of gum containing Xylitol to surprising places such as Peanut Butter, Jams and Jellies, Protein Bars, Flavored Water, Cosmetics, Prepackaged goods, and Honey.
Some cats may also be at risk for these factors although research is ongoing.
Merry Munchables
WELL COOKED
Skinless and Boneless
Turkey and Chicken
Skinless and Boneless
Turkey and Chicken
Cooked or Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are a great treat,
especially when Baked into
yummy Jerky for Dogs or
a mixed Pate for Cats
Sweet Potatoes are a great treat,
especially when Baked into
yummy Jerky for Dogs or
a mixed Pate for Cats
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Pumpkin
<--- GET THIS NOT THIS ---> Pumpkin Pie Mix has Spices that include clove, allspice (toxic for cats), cinnamon, ginger, (safe in very small amounts), and sometimes Nutmeg (Dangerous for both Dogs and cats). |
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Green Beans
Green Beans are filled with Iron and Vitamins
beneficial to both Dogs and Cats.
Fresh or Cooked, this is a safe healthy treat to share with your pet
Just remember: NO SALT
Green Beans are filled with Iron and Vitamins
beneficial to both Dogs and Cats.
Fresh or Cooked, this is a safe healthy treat to share with your pet
Just remember: NO SALT
Cranberries
Cranberries have many benefits for Dogs and Cats
which include Teeth, Brian, Eyesight, and Kidney Health.
Use Dried Cranberries in small amounts with the dogs size in mind.
Make sure you don't use a fruit or trail mix as they often contain other toxic substances for pets such as
Chocolate, Nuts, Salty tidbits, and especially Raisins.
Don't use Cranberry Sauce as it has very high Sugar content.
Cranberries have many benefits for Dogs and Cats
which include Teeth, Brian, Eyesight, and Kidney Health.
Use Dried Cranberries in small amounts with the dogs size in mind.
Make sure you don't use a fruit or trail mix as they often contain other toxic substances for pets such as
Chocolate, Nuts, Salty tidbits, and especially Raisins.
Don't use Cranberry Sauce as it has very high Sugar content.
Carrots
Carrots are another excellent treat for both Cats and Dogs.
Dogs teeth can benefit from crunching on them and help with losing weight as they are low in calories and high in fiber.
Cats get a lot of nutritional benefits including Beta-Carotene just remember that cats need to have their carrots cooked and cut in small pieces or turned into a Pate.
Carrots are another excellent treat for both Cats and Dogs.
Dogs teeth can benefit from crunching on them and help with losing weight as they are low in calories and high in fiber.
Cats get a lot of nutritional benefits including Beta-Carotene just remember that cats need to have their carrots cooked and cut in small pieces or turned into a Pate.
Apples
Apples are another high fiber food filled and Vitamins A and C.
Some simple safety rules for sharing with your Dogs and Cats:
No Seeds for the same reason they aren't great for humans
No Core in general as it can be a choking hazard
No Skin for cats
Apples are another high fiber food filled and Vitamins A and C.
Some simple safety rules for sharing with your Dogs and Cats:
No Seeds for the same reason they aren't great for humans
No Core in general as it can be a choking hazard
No Skin for cats
Forbidden Freeze
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Fireside Safety
Pet Fire SafetyEach year, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires, with 1,000 house fires started by pets themselves. In order to prevent and prepare for a possible house fire, it is important to remember your pets when thinking about your fire preparedness plan.
PREVENTING A FIRE
PREVENTING A FIRE
- Reduce open flame exposure – Pets are curious and may try to investigate your unattended candles or fireplace. Opt instead for flameless candles or an enclosed fireplace to prevent an accidental knock or escaped ember from burning out of control.
- Put covers on or remove stove knobs and discourage climbing in the kitchen – An accidental nudge of a stove knob is the number one cause of house fires started by pets. By preventing your pet from interacting with a stove, you can take a big step toward preventing fires.
- Secure loose wires – Pets may like to chew on wires and cords, but ensure that these items are out of reach from your pet, as they can lead to fires.
- Never put a glass bowl on a wooden porch – The sun’s rays can heat the bowl and cause a fire on your wooden deck. Opt instead for ceramic or stainless-steel dishes when outside.
- Include your pet into your family emergency plan and practice taking them with you. Talk with your family members to determine who is responsible for grabbing your pets and who should grab their supplies (food, medication, photo, leashes and carriers, medical records) during an emergency so you can reduce scrambling and redundancy when speed and efficiency are needed.
- Put a decal in your home’s front window indicating the number and type of pets you have – Providing this information can cut down on the time responders spend searching your home in the case of a fire.
- Make sure your pet’s updated contact information is reflected on their ID collar and in the microchip database – If your pet gets lost during a fire, this will help rescuers get him or her back to you.
- Use monitored smoke detectors that are connected to emergency responders – Should a fire start while you are away from your home, you’ll rest assured that your pet has access to emergency response services even if no one is home to call them.
- Know your pets’ hideaways and create ways for easy access to them in case of an emergency – It’s nice that your pet can get away if he or she wants to, but in an emergency, you need to be able to locate and extract your pet as quickly as possible.
Check out who Unwrapped the
Gift of Unconditional of Love
on our Success Stories page
Pupdates!
Spock - Adopted August 8, 2018
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Its been 3 months!
I am one lucky pup! My new family really loves me and says I am doing really well. I get along with everyone and have settled in. They've really been super diligent about my skin and I'm doing better than ever! We found out that I can actually eat Lamb now, so I have a brand new food. Super cool to be able to have more than Fish! My new brother Herschel is my best friend and I have some pictures to share with everyone. Its hard to believe its been 3 months already but I'm looking forward to a lifetime with my new pawsome family! |
Some Changes
We've just had a big move to the West Coast of Florida! Though we won't be on the South East Coast, we will still adopt out to both coasts and central Florida. This move will have a lot of impact on us as we will have to begin from the ground up in our local area. We know this will take some time and will be tough in the beginning as we reorganize our personal lives.
Due to this we will not be currently bringing in more animals (unless its an emergency we run into) until we have the capability to have the time, space, funding, and foster homes available. We will never stop being committed to the animals we have in the Rescue and Sanctuary and will continue to support animals in whatever way we can during this time period. Thank you all for your continued support, it means so much to us and we are eternally grateful.
Due to this we will not be currently bringing in more animals (unless its an emergency we run into) until we have the capability to have the time, space, funding, and foster homes available. We will never stop being committed to the animals we have in the Rescue and Sanctuary and will continue to support animals in whatever way we can during this time period. Thank you all for your continued support, it means so much to us and we are eternally grateful.
Pet in Need
Jack Sparrow, a Sanctuary, cat needs you! - Current Need: Dental Work
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Saying our Goodbyes,
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There are no new events currently scheduled, we hope to add one in soon!
Thank you so much to everyone who gifts a donation we appreciate it so much!
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