Pet Care

WARNING: Popular Flea Products Can Harm Your Cat

Thursday, June 21, 2012 - 11:30am

catListen up, cat parents! We know spot-on flea and tick products are popular and rightly so. They're fast, easy to use, and effective. But are they safe?

As long as they are used according to label instructions, says ASPCA veterinarians. But when flea products for dogs are applied to cats, even a few drops can lead to an overdose.

Keep your cat safe from fleas this season with these expert tips:

  • Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific flea treatment for your pet, and never use products made for dogs on cats, or vice versa.
  • Never use insecticides on very young, pregnant, ill or elderly animals without consulting your veterinarian.
  • Avoid applying flea powders and sprays in addition to a spot-on treatment. The combination of chemicals in different products can cause an adverse reaction in your pet.

Twitching or muscle spasms may be the first sign of an overdose. If you suspect your pet is having a reaction to a flea infestation or topical flea product, contact your veterinarian, or call the ASPCA’s poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435.

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Pet Care

Help Partner Service Dogs with Returning Veterans in Need

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - 2:45pm

PosterStart clicking for a good cause! Dog Bless You, a non-profit created by explore.org founder Charlie Annenberg Weingarten, celebrates dogs and soldiers through a campaign called Dog Bless USA.

What’s Dog Bless USA’s goal? To partner returning veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with specially trained service dogs. And here’s how you can help.

Now through the Fourth of July, for every 5,000 likes the Dog Bless You Facebook page gets, explore.org will match a veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan with a new best friend.

“We want to raise awareness about the amazing role dogs can play in the lives of veterans,” says Weingarten. “The ‘like’ button is akin to putting your name on a card to those soldiers.”

So get clicking! Visit Dog Bless You, click “like” and help a veteran in need—today.

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Pet Care
Take Action

What Hazards Are Lurking in Your Garden?

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - 3:15pm

dog in gardenIt´s time to treat the lawn, spray the trees and, of course, plant the garden. If you're a pet parent, please read this before you begin exercising your green thumb.

Every year the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives tens of thousands of calls involving animal companions who’ve been exposed to potentially deadly garden hazards.

The same products that produce vibrant lawns can cause serious health problems for our companions. In fact, many common plants can be poisonous, while fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides also pose serious hazards if not handled correctly.

Please read our Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening. Your pet is depending on you.

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Pet Care
Poison Control

Calling All Pit Bulls: Operation Pit a Success!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - 3:30pm

It is not surprising to learn that Pit Bulls account for almost two-thirds of the dogs in NYC shelters—or that this is mainly due to pet overpopulation. When ASPCA’s Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, began brainstorming for a way to encourage the spaying and neutering of Pit Bulls, she turned to her husband’s Fire Department for inspiration.

“My husband, a Captain in the FDNY, works with a lot of guys who aren’t exactly excited to see their dogs emasculated,” says Murray. “I wanted to present spaying and neutering in a way that wouldn’t be such a turn off—and the guys gave me two thumbs-up on the military-themed approach.”

Today, the success of Operation Pit cannot be overlooked. The program, not limited by income or place of residence, offers a free physical exam and free spay or neuter surgeries to all pit bulls, along with free Distemper/Parvovirus vaccinations and free microchips.

“In keeping with the theme, each dog also walks out with a camouflage bandanna and ‘Honorable Discharge’ papers for participating,” explains Murray.

Participation in Operation Pit is by appointment only—sorry, no walk-ins. Call (877) 900-PITS to find out more or to schedule your dog’s visit.

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Pet Care

The Year of the Rabbit—Bunny Adoption Tips!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 3:15pm

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2011 marks the Year of the Rabbit. And shelters across the nation are celebrating by inviting the public to hop on over to take advantage of the rabbit adoption specials being offered.

It is estimated that more than 1 million households have rabbits as family members and for good reason—they are intelligent, curious and loving pets. But adopter beware, our little hoppers also need specialized care. Rabbits are often seen as low-maintenance starter pets for kids, but our experts warn that nothing could be further from the truth. Rabbits are physically delicate and fragile, and require specialized veterinary care. Thousands are abandoned at animal shelters every year for this reason.

We've put together a list of the tips for living with a bunny companion. 

  • They make great companions! Rabbits can be trained to use the litter box, they'll come when called, and their all-time favorite activities are to dig and chew. Who knew? The sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy rabbit can be a great pet for the right family.
  • Rabbits can’t live outdoors! Outside, rabbits can die of fright and are susceptible to diseases spread by ticks and other parasites. They prefer to live in the cozy comforts of a home, just like cats and dogs.
  • Your rabbit will need at least two hours free time to run around and play, so it’s important to bunny-proof your home. Preventing rabbits from chewing on electrical cords is of utmost importance, since rabbits can be badly burned or electrocuted.
  • If you've done the research and understand exactly what rabbits need—big-time digging and chewing—then you’re ready for a cotton-tailed friend. Be sure to make adoption your first option, and have your new bunny spayed or neutered.

For more information, peruse our webpage on rabbit care.

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Pet Care

ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day

Thursday, July 12, 2012 - 2:15pm
ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day

Ready for a little romance next Monday? As you make your Valentine’s Day plans, consider giving your dog or cat the sweet gift of safety. According to ASPCA experts, Valentine's Day is one of the most poisonous days of the year for pets. Here are a few tips to ensure a loving and safe holiday—for Romeos and Rovers alike!

We all know a little ambiance goes a long way on Valentine’s Day, and a candlelit dinner is about as high on the romantic scale as you can get—but please don’t leave the room while flames are still burning. Many pets are attracted to the light and could get seriously singed.

And while nothing says I love you like a box of gourmet chocolates, let’s not forget cocoa is potentially life-threatening to our pets. Milk, dark, semi-sweet and baker’s—all kinds of chocolate—can affect your pet’s gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac systems. So make sure not to share that box of chocolate (with your pet at least) and more importantly, don’t leave it on a low shelf or table where Fido can find it!

Before sending your honey a gift that blooms, remember that certain flowers including lilies, daisies and baby’s breath can be potentially fatal to cats and dogs. Check out our Safe Flower Guide for a list of safe alternatives.

Finally, when choosing whom to give gifts from the heart, don’t forget your beloved companions. Just make sure to show your love with toys that are pet-safe. Check out the ASPCA Online Store for a great selection of Valentine’s pet-friendly gifts that are sure to please. And if you’re not sure what to get your human love, consider making a Gift Donation to the ASPCA—the perfect way to celebrate special people and saves lives.

For a complete list of Valentine’s Day hazards, visit the ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day.

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Pet Care

Check Out the Latest Flick from HelpJoey.com!

Monday, January 31, 2011 - 12:45pm

Attention pet parents, there is new gadget on the market geared solely to putting an end to pet fornication. The Gas Girdle is a comfy-to-wear farting machine produced by our very own pet purity crusaders at HelpJoey.com. So how does it work? Simply strap the Gas Girdle around your pet’s abdomen, hide…and wait. As soon as you catch him getting ready for some serious action, press the remote control button to produce one of several different farting sounds. Tada! The dirty deed is averted—at least till the next time.

“We all know the biggest turnoff during sex is farting,” says Joey of HelpJoey.com. “That’s why we created the Gas Girdle. They’re cool. They’re comfortable. And we’re pretty sure they’re going to put an end to animal overpopulation—at least until everyone spays or neuters their pets.”

Through a series of slapstick video escapades, Joey continues to spread his “StopChasingTail” campaign in effort to help end pet overpopulation.

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Pet Care

Video Exclusive: Can HelpJoey.com Save a Porn-Addicted Pooch?

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 1:30pm

There are all sorts of reasons to tune in to HelpJoey.com’s latest web flick—but checking out porn-addicted pooch Mr. Bobo may be the best of all. This shaggy, too-cute pup is the star of Joey’s latest parody of the A&E hit Intervention.

Assuming a pseudotherapist role, Joey listens to Mr. Bobo’s disturbed parents as they confront him with his vast collection of pooch erotica and—even more disturbing—his kitty porn. The contrite Mr. Bobo listens intently as Joey educates him on the value of abstaining.

“Mr. Bobo was a troubled, porn-loving pooch before he met us,” explains Joey. “But thanks to our timely intervention, he’s now fast on the path to pet purity.”

Sound a bit bizarre? Maybe—but we certainly enjoyed it. To find a low-cost spay/neuter services in your area, please visit www.ASPCA.org/spay/. And be sure to check out HelpJoey.com to see for yourself what the buzz is all about.

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Pet Care

Talking the ‘Birds and the Bees’ with Your Cats and Dogs!

Monday, December 20, 2010 - 4:15pm

Not sure how to start "the talk" with your pet? Well, it’s no surprise! For many of us, it's hard to talk about sex—especially with our own beloved companions. In fact, most pet-parents put it off for as long as possible, often waiting till it’s just too late. But with a little guidance from the folks at HelpJoey.com, it's now possible to discuss the birds and the bees with relative ease.

“We know that talking to your pet about the S-E-X can be downright difficult, and that’s why we wrote the book, How to Talk to the Cats and Dogs about the Birds and the Bees,” says Joey of HelpJoey.com. “This beautifully illustrated picture book will help you teach your companions the virtues of being virtuous!”

Through a series of wacky video escapades, Joey continues to spread his “StopChasingTail” campaign in effort to help end pet overpopulation. Check out Joey’s other web flicks, and be sure to sign up for the all new Super Official HelpJoey.com Newsletter for your chance to win free gear!

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Pet Care

HelpJoey.com Exclusive—Every Pet Needs a “Humpable” this Holiday Season!

Friday, December 10, 2010 - 3:45pm

Attention, pet parents! Time is running out to find your furry friend the perfect gift for the holidays. Take a deep breath and head for your computer—HelpJoey.com is here to help! With its exclusive new plush toy, HelpJoey.com knows just what your pet wants.

“There is only one present that will meet the high expectations of your pet’s sugarplum dreams—the Humpable,” says Joey of HelpJoey.com. “This soft plush toy is specifically designed to let your pet get his or her ‘swerve’ on—all without the risk of unwanted pregnancies.”

Through a series of slapstick video escapades, Joey continues to spread his “StopChasingTail” campaign in effort to help end pet overpopulation. Check out Joey’s other wacky flicks, and be sure to sign up for the HelpJoey.com newsletter for your chance to win free gear!

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Pet Care

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