Today, we announce our ongoing partnership with World Vets. The pilot mission to Arusha, Tanzania will take place from June 21-29 delivering much needed assistance to the donkeys of the Maasai, Meru and Arusha people.  Link to Yahoo article

As we celebrate National Pet Week (Southern California residents!) sign up for our special Red Cross Cat & Dog First Aid/CPR Class at Kahoots Pet Store in Chino Hills, CA scheduled for June 2! Learn practical information and gain Red Cross certification during this 4-hour session. Enter the discount code when you enroll and pay 1/2 the enrollment fee. Visit http://vetericyn.com/petfirstaid/ for more details!

Vetericyn: What are some of the most common causes of pet poisonings and how can they be prevented?

Dr. Crosby: Pets are curious and unpredictable, so prevention is the key to a safe environment. Here are three tips to help you avoid common toxins: 1. Read product directions carefully. Not following the usage instructions on shampoos and topical medications is one of the most common causes of pet toxicity. When treating fleas, ticks and certain skin conditions, follow directions to the letter and remember that more is NOT better. Cats accidentally receiving dog “spot on” flea medications is a common mistake, and one that often results in toxicity. Extra caution is advised when applying these medications. 2. Only use medications designated for your pet’s species. Only use products designed for dogs on dogs, cats on cats, etc. As mentioned above, things that are okay for one type of animal can be toxic to another. Likewise, do not use human medications or topical treatments on pets unless advised to do so by your vet. 3. Avoid giving “human” food that is toxic to animals. Never give your pet spoiled or moldy food. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are also toxic to many animals. Avocados are toxic to birds. Coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages should never be offered to pets.

To learn more about keeping your animal safe from poison, check out Dr. Tobiassen’s About.com article on the Top 10 Pet Poison Prevention Tips.

(Dave, Cesar, & Tabitha on set earlier this week.)

[Pictured: Red Cross Instructor Mike addressing the Kahoots Pet Store Cat & Dog CPR/First Aid Class this past weekend in Chino Hills, CA]

We asked Lulu‘s Mom some of the key things she learned from this past weekend’s Cat and Dog CPR/First Aid Class with the Red Cross.  The following are some of her take aways.

Did you know?–

1.) Dogs lose heat through panting and the pads of their feet, so if your dog is overheated it is important to remember to keep them off the hot pavement and find ways to cool them down (normal temperature is 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit):

• Run cold liquid down dog’s spine
• Put water soaked towel on head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen
• Place dog in front of fan
• Rub isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol 70% on pads of feet – but do not use large quantity (more than ½ pint) because it can be toxic if ingested

2.) The three places to take a pulse on a dog:

• The inner thigh
• Just below the wrist
• Just below the hock (ankle)

3.) Pet first aid kits can be different from human kits by containing:

• Canine nail clippers
• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Syringe

 

Congratulations to Week 2′s Winner of the Pet First Aid Kit: R. Foxworth!

Thank you for your kind hospitality during our visit!

Congratulations to F. Fodrey for being the first winner of Week 1′s First Aid Kit Giveaway!

The Innovacyn Team stands behind this theme and statement. Good health extends to not only our physical well-being, but to our state of mind as well. The animals in our lives touch our hearts, making their own contributions to the quality of our lives—and this is our way of acknowledging that.

We have just launched the Facebook Page for Puracyn (Wound & Skin Care for Humans)- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Puracyn/378257478863033! Click the “Like” button to stay updated on the latest Puracyn news and announcements.