The sight of an enormous toad sitting in a courtyard during a humid summer evening is quite common in south Florida. For those of you who had no idea what a “bufo” was until you moved here, you are not alone. Even if you have lived in south Florida all your life, you still may not have heard of a Bufo or Cane toad. My wife and I quickly learned that the Cane toads (Rhinella Marina, formerly known as bufo marinus ) were, in fact, deadly to dogs and cats. The toxin on the skin takes only minutes to put your companion in serious jeopardy and can be fatal. Companion animal death rates are very high in South Florida. Our adopted bulldog Lola had a sister who died at age six after an encounter with a Cane toad. Cane toads, also known as Bufo toads, are highly toxic to pets like dogs and cats. These toads are found in several parts of the world, including North America, South America, and Australia. When pets come into contact with these toads, they can suffer from serious health problems, including death. In this blog, we will discuss the dangers of Cane toad toxicity to your dog or cat and what you can do to keep your furry friend safe. Symptoms of Cane Toad Toxicity in Pets The symptoms of Cane toad toxicity in pets can vary depending on the severity of the poisoning. In some cases, the symptoms may appear within minutes of contact, while in others, it may take a few hours. Some of the common symptoms of Cane toad toxicity in pets include:
Prevention of Cane Toad Toxicity in Pets Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to Cane toad toxicity, the best way to keep your pets safe is by preventing contact with the toads. Here are some tips to help you prevent Cane toad toxicity in your pets:
Cane toad toxicity is a serious health problem that can affect your pets. By being aware of the dangers and taking the necessary precautions, you can help prevent your pets from coming into contact with these toxic toads. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with a Cane toad, seek veterinary help immediately. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
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As dog lovers, most of us value our canine friends as important members of our families. It's hard to put a value on the joy they bring us, but the quiet companionship they bring is invaluable. You really don't understand what their presence means until they're gone. Just simply being present in your life carries a great deal of weight.
Treating our companion animals with respect and care is only the starting point. The day you brought them into your life, you took responsibility for them. They aren't a trend, or a hobby, they are a sentient being. How often have you seen a dog chained up outside, away from the pack they want to be with? And they're barking because they want to be with the humans inside that home. They're doing the best they can to communicate that they want to be inside with their pack, not outside in the heat, cold or rain. With that being said, let's take a look at the reasons why having a companion animal and treating it with respect is important. Dogs and cats (and others!) are sentient, emotional beings with unique personalities and needs. They feel pain, fear, and joy, just like humans. Respect and dignity go a long way in forging a bond with other living beings. Companion animals depend on us for their wellbeing - everything from food and shelter to medical care and emotional support. We have a responsibility to provide them with the care they need to lead healthy, happy lives and neglecting their needs can lead to serious health and behavior problems. Companion animals enhance our lives and provide us with companionship, love, and yes, they even entertain us. Our Mr. Bishi, an English Bulldog was one of the most happy go lucky bullies we ever shared our lives with and he always made us laugh and smile. Total goofball that one. And all of the things they bring to a family help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Companion animals also lower blood pressure and boost the immune system. Everybody generally wins when you invite an animal into your home. Companion animals are capable of experiencing joy, fear, sadness, and even grief. You can read fascinating books such as Beyond Words by Carl Safina or Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery - remarkable books about non-humans. Kindness and respect helps to foster a strong bond and trust between members of the family, leading to a happier, more fulfilling relationship for both. Bottom line is realizing that companion animals are sentient beings that depend on us for their wellbeing and enhance our lives in countless ways. By treating our dogs with care and compassion, we can foster a strong, loving bond and ensure that they lead happy, healthy lives. Adopting a companion animal is a big decision and one that should not be made lightly. It's a big responsibility, no different from raising and being responsible for a human child. They'll alter you life in ways you don't expect and many times they won't bring what you expect, but they will always surprise you and frequently that is a good thing. They bring a lightness to life that is frequently lacking and you can't put a price on that.
Every change or alteration a companion animal brings to your life is also accompanied by companionship, unconditional lover and a great listener who generally won't interrupt you as you speak. Okay, most of them anyway. Lola, our rescue English bully was a wonderful communicator who frequently had a lot to say. She was pretty talented at talking over us. And we loved it. Beyond the obvious emotional benefits of sharing your life with a companion animal, there are also many physical and mental health benefits to consider. Let's start with an obvious one. If you don't have three fenced in acres for your dog to run around in, you're going to have to walk your dog. Dogs require daily exercise, which means you have to get off the couch and go with them. Exercise for both of you. And if you do a walk properly, i.e. let them smell as much as they want and greet whomever they want, you'll be forced to socialize as well, something sorely lacking in many lives. Quick note about dog walks - we'll have another post about what a dog walk should consist of. Hint, it isn't let's go to the bathroom and hurry to get back inside so you can get back to what you are doing. But I digress. Taking your dog for a walk or run benefits you as well. Even engaging with your felines, playing with them is a source of physical activity. Numerous studies have shown that people who share their lives with companion animals have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and are less likely to suffer from heart attacks or strokes. Companion animals are also there when we are sick and they'll listen to our whining. Data suggests that they'll also help reduce pain and speed up healing. The mental health benefits of sharing your life with a companion animal are off the charts. As an example, when I was laid off as COVID was hitting, I was forced into an early retirement andI found myself writing at home, accompanied by Lola, our older bully. At some point it hit me just how important she was in getting me through a really difficult time. She was my therapist and cowriter, among other hats that she wore. Companion animals provide unconditional love and companionship, and can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. I know this from first hand experience. Data from numerous studies shows people who share their lives with companion animals have reduced stress and anxiety levels in addition to having lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. As we mentioned earlier, companion animals, particularly canines, are wonderful at providing opportunities for socialization. Thank you dog walks. It's a great way to catch up with new friends that you meet and there is generally a really positive vibe among people who have companion animals. And the sense of purpose and responsibility they bring to your life is a another contributing benefit to your mental health. Saving a Life Adopting a dog or cat can also have a positive impact on the community. By adopting from a shelter, you're giving a second chance to an animal in need. Many shelters are overcrowded and unable to care for all of the animals they take in. By adopting, you're helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters and potentially saving a life. And lastly, when you rescue a companion animal, you are saving a life. And some times it may be your own. The incidence of depression has increased and many, many people have been pulled out of the dark depths of depression by their rescue companion. It's the old cliche - who rescued who? But it's true. And as I suggested earlier, I speak from first hand experience on this point. If you're considering adding a pet to your family, consider adopting from a shelter. Not only will you be gaining a loyal companion, but you 're going to save a life. And it doesn't get any better than that. Sharing your life with a companion animal can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have. Not only do pets provide us with unconditional love and companionship, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits that can improve our overall wellbeing. In this article, we'll explore some of the many health benefits of having a companion animal.
5 Reasons Why Dog Collars Are Not Good: Why Harnesses Are the Better Option for Your Furry Friend4/18/2023 Dog collars have been the traditional choice for many pet owners when it comes to controlling and training their furry friends. However, there are several reasons why dog harnesses are a better choice than collars. In this blog, we will explore why dog collars are not good and why harnesses are better for your dog.
As pet owners, we love our furry friends like family. They provide us with endless joy and companionship, and when they pass away, it can be a devastating loss. Coping with pet bereavement is an important part of the grieving process, and it's important to understand that it's okay to feel a wide range of emotions during this difficult time.
In this article, we'll explore some tips on how to cope with the loss of your beloved pet.
We’re always surprised at how many individuals believe that, by nature, English bulldogs are fat or they are supposed to be chunky. We’ve had four English bulldogs, all rock stars in unique ways. But the one consistent shared trait among them was that none of them were overweight.Granted, when people believe their breed should be hefty, they’re going to feed it more and hence, it will be overweight, meeting their expectations. In other words, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bulldogs aren’t supposed to be fat and if they are, there are a number of problems that accompany that rolly-polly stature. Because of the bad genetics involved, the breed is already predisposed to knee injuries. In fact, all four of our bulldogs had knee surgery, and not a Michelin tire shape among them. A couple of tips to avoid some of the health issues associated with carrying around too much weight. Spread their food around so you can avoid having them gulp their food down too rapidly. We had one customer describe her bulldog as a “wood chipper” because she ate so fast. Try to avoid giving them ‘human’ food. Stick to a healthy diet and give them broccoli and other healthy foods. They’re omnivores, so they’ll surprise you in what they’ll eat. Keep them fit, lean, and you’ll get a few more years of companionship!
Keep Wagging! As a dog owner, ensuring that your furry friend is properly fed is essential to their overall health and wellbeing. However, with so many different dog food options available, it can be easy to accidentally overfeed your dog and cause them to become overweight.
In this article, we'll explore some tips on how to properly feed your dog and avoid having them become overweight.
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