Foxtails are serious threat to your pets



Foxtails are a deadly threat to our pets

Your pet has a deadly enemy that comes in the form of several species of grassy weeds found throughout the western United States. These weeds grow rapidly during the winter/spring rains, and then dry out in the summer months. As the grasses mature, a seed forms at the top of the stalk resembling a foxtail. As foxtail grasses dry out, the seeds detach easily and stick readily to clothing and fur.

Foxtails can enter a dog's body in a variety of ways and once in they work like an animated fishhook: the seed moves steadily inward, and because of tiny barbs, it cannot back out. It's most common for a foxtail to enter a dog's body through the skin, nose, ears, paws, genitals, and eyes. One veterinarian reported a foxtail found in a dog's lung had initially entered through the dog's paw. Foxtails are tenacious and deadly.

Foxtails are relatively small, so detecting them after they enter a dog's body can be difficult. Veterinarians usually rely on telltale symptoms such as head-shaking, paw licking, swellings on the body, or sudden and continuous sneezing. Foxtails in the ears, nose and eyes are serious and can ultimately be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

When a foxtail is inhaled and lodged in the nasal cavity, a dog will sneeze repeatedly and violently, sometimes even banging his nose on the floor with each sneeze in a futile attempt to dislodge the seed. It is often possible for a veterinarian to sedate the animal, locate the seed with an otoscope and remove it using special forceps - provided the animal is brought in when symptoms first appear.

When a foxtail is lodged in the paw or under the coat, a lump will usually form that is painful to touch. Depending on how deep the foxtail has traveled it can usually be removed surgically.

When a foxtail gets into a dog's eye, the dog will usually paw the eye, which will water. When you see a foxtail under the eyelid, don't try to remove it yourself. There's a good chance you may not get it all. Keep your dog from pawing the eye and get him to a veterinarian immediately, preferably a veterinary opthomologist.

When your dog gets a foxtail in an ear, he will usually shake his head violently. Again, whenever you suspect a foxtail, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. The best way to handle foxtail problems is to prevent them or treat them early.

Whenever possible avoid foxtail infested areas - especially during the dry season. After a romp through tall, mature grass follow these steps:

• Thoroughly brush and inspect your dog's coat. Run your hands over his coat looking for foxtails. Dogs with long hair are particularly susceptible to foxtails.

• Look into your dog's ears. If your dog has floppy ears, lift each ear and inspect.

• Examine your dog's paws (in-between toes and paw pads), neck (under the collar), tail/anus, and under "armpit" areas. Remove any foxtails sitting on the fur.

• If you believe your dog has a foxtail lodged somewhere in his body get him to a veterinarian immediately. The longer you wait, the deeper the foxtail will travel and the more damage it will do, and the more difficult and costly it will be to treat.

If you are new to Arizona and you're not sure what a foxtail looks like, ask fellow dog people or your veterinarian to show you. Learn to recognize foxtails and avoid them! Foxtail danger in our parks and neighborhoods can be greatly reduced by simply mowing the grass regularly, especially in the late spring. Mowing cuts off the foxtail grass before the deadly seed forms.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society.  He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Sustaining the no-kill vision

The Yavapai Humane Society has achieved
the no-kill dream.  Can it be sustained? 
Only in a community willing to help!

In July 2010, the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) embraced a no-kill ethic. We defined that ethic as applying the same criteria when deciding a homeless animal's fate that a loving owner or conscientious veterinarian would apply to a beloved pet. That is, healthy and treatable animals would not be killed simply because we lack the room or resources to care for them.

With a 95 percent live release rate in 2012 and a 97 percent live release rate YTD for 2013, it could be argued that YHS has achieved its no-kill goal. The challenge now is sustaining it. Google dictionary defines "sustaining" as strengthening or supporting.

It is important to understand the life affirming momentum occurring at YHS. In nearly every community in every state in the Union, killing is the primary method employed to control pet overpopulation. In just three short years our community has become a national model for a better way, a way of compassion through strategic planning.

Last week I shared the news concerning the success of the recent Walk for the Animals. It is remarkable how our community came together, for one of the most fun family events of the year, and raised over $41,000 to help sustain YHS' many life saving no-kill programs.

This week YHS moved into a newly completed facility dedicated to sustaining quality medical care for our community's sick and injured homeless cats. The facility was made possible thanks to the generosity of the MCS Charitable Foundation, the PETCO Foundation, Pat and Nancy O'Brien, Yavapai County, the City of Prescott, the Town of Prescott Valley, Max Fogleman and Kathy Coleman, and the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe.

Also, this week, we are installing a climate controlled HVAC system throughout our Pet Adoption Center. This amazing enhancement was made possible thanks to the compassionate generosity of the Harold James Family Trust.

Next on the YHS drawing board is a canine hospital to care for our community's lost and homeless sick and injured dogs. We are in the design phase and should have a budget for this project within 30 days. It is my hope that there is the same public support for our canine friends as there is for our felines, so we have no delay in building this much-needed facility. Naming rights are available to anyone willing to fund a substantial portion of the construction cost.

These new facilities are designed to help ensure our community never returns to the barbaric practice of killing homeless animals simply because we lack the room or resources to care for them. Achieving no-kill is not an Olympic moment; it is an arduous marathon. We've proven it can be achieved, the question now is can it be sustained?

Imagine if everyone reading this article donated $1 a day or $30 a month to YHS. YHS could then sustain its many no-kill programs, each designed to save animals' lives, fight cruelty and rescue homeless animals.

It's easy to become a YHS sustaining partner when you join the PAWS (Planned Automatic Withdrawal Service) program. An automatic monthly donation of your choice comes to YHS and our secure system automatically processes it for you. You choose a tax deductible amount that is comfortable, and you can change or cancel your participation at any time.

Simply go to www.yavapaihumane.org/paws to designate your gift; check the box that says, "Repeat this donation every month" and enter how many months you want to repeat your tax deductible gift. If you have questions give us a call at 445-2666 ext. 21. Together we can sustain both our no-kill ethic and our place among the safest communities in the nation for our pets.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

YHS Walk for the Animals will save many lives

Ed Boks thanking the 455 walkers
who helped raise over $41,000!

The 2nd annual Yavapai Humane Society Walk for the Animals was a huge success. The event this past Saturday at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University was attended by over 450 registered walkers; many of whom brought their dogs, family, friends and neighbors. That's 133 more registered walkers than last year.

I want to thank all the walkers and their respective supporters, and our many sponsors for helping the Yavapai Humane Society exceed this year's $40,000 goal. Together we raised $41,550; which is a 53 percent increase over last year's $27,000. This money will help fund the many life saving programs of the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS).

In many ways, the YHS Walk for the Animals is a celebration of our community's love for our companion animals. In recent years the quad-city region has been recognized as one of the three safest communities in the United States for pets; and this is evidenced by the generous community support YHS receives.

In addition to our wonderful walkers, this year's Walk was also supported by our sponsors, for whom we are very thankful. Together we made this amazing community celebration not only possible, but a colossal hit.

When looking for products or services please consider YHS sponsors and join us in thanking them for helping our community's neediest animals.

We anticipate this annual celebration to grow in both scope and participation each year. This year the Walk expanded to include an elevated stage with a powerful sound system enabling everyone to hear the sweet tones and tunes of Robin Mills and the Bittersweet Band as they serenaded the walkers into the homestretch. (Robin is the lead veterinary technician at the YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic.)

A massage booth was available for walkers needing to loosen up before or after the Walk; and walkers received a continental breakfast with coffee, homemade muffins,  fresh fruit, smoothies, and bottled water provided by our many sponsors.  The YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness veterinarian, Dr. Jenni Redmon, and her staff provided microchips and spay/neuter advice.

YHS is the largest animal rescue organization in northern Arizona, saving nearly 4,000 lost and homeless pets every year. Thanks to the support of our community we are maintaining an impressive 97 percent Live Release Rate.

If you intended to make a donation in this year's Walk for the Animals but neglected to do so, you can still join the celebration by making your donation today at www.yavapaihumane.org/walk.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

'Walk for the Animals' is a great way to give back



Sign up to support YHS at this link.

There's only 3 weeks left until Yavapai Humane Society's second annual Walk for the Animals and I'm sure you've been anxiously awaiting an update. As of yesterday, more than 285 people have registered to walk and these folks have raised more than $19,000! This year our goal is 500 walkers and $40,000, so we are well within reach, especially with three weeks to go.
The Walk for the Animals will take place on Saturday, April 20, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. There will be two courses, a 5k and a 1k, to accommodate all ages, leg heights and energy levels. You can run, walk or jog at your own pace. The road is completely paved so child strollers, dog strollers and wheelchairs can roll easily. The walk is not timed so you can even enjoy a leisurely stroll.

To register, simply visit www.yavapaihumane.org/walk, where you can register online as a Walker, Youth Walker (11-17), or, for the folks who love animals but not exercise, a Lazy Dog. Registration is only $25 ($20 for Youth Walkers). Children 10 and under are welcome to walk free with a registered walker. Registrants receive a free T-shirt and a "doggie bag" full of goodies, including a half-day of doggy day care from Hassayampa Canine Resort and Spa.

Every walker gets a personal fundraising page that they can personalize with photos, videos and text and then email to their contacts. Many walkers have been surprised by the outpouring of support from their friends and families.

Jinger Cutting, a local realtor with Windermere Real Estate, is currently the top fundraising walker. "I was invited by someone in the office to contribute but the email also said we could walk. I sent it out on Facebook and email and was overwhelmed by the response," Cutter said.

This year's Walk also has the addition of Fundraising Prizes. There are smaller prizes like a water bottle or dog bandana all the way up to the ThousHOUND Club, for walkers who raise more than $1,000. The most popular prize by far is the opportunity to name a YHS dog or cat and many people have made raising $100 their goal for this very reason!

Dogs are welcome to walk with their owners. Dogs must be currently licensed, vaccinated, and on a leash no more than 6 feet in length in keeping with Prescott's leash law. Walk officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so the event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.

All proceeds from the event will go to helping the animals at the Yavapai Humane Society. YHS is the largest animal shelter in Northern Arizona, rescuing more than 3,700 lost, homeless, abused and neglected pets every year. YHS provides many life saving services and programs which have resulted in YHS ranking as the safest animal shelter in Arizona by the nation's leading animal shelter watchdog and the third-safest community in the nation!

YHS's "Live Release Rate" is the highest in Arizona and among the highest in the nation at 97 percent.

Sign up today at yavapaihumane.org/walk.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Yavapai Humane Society offering low-cost pet wellness treatments for a limited time



Vaccinate your dog against
rattlesnake bites any Friday
at the YHS Wellness Clinic 
for just $16. No appointment
necessary. Call 771-0547 for
more information.

The Yavapai Humane Society announces three pet wellness campaigns: a cat FeLV/FIV test special, a pediatric spay/neuter special, and rattlesnake vaccinations.  
Cat Special: Among all causes of lethal feline disease, none are taken more seriously by the Yavapai Humane Society than feline leukemia (FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Undetected, either virus is capable of causing your cat's premature death. It is estimated that up to 4 percent of the 83 million cats in the United States harbor one or both of these viruses. 

To help reduce these diseases, the YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is offering a special promotion through the month of June. Your cat(s) can be tested for both diseases and vaccinated against FeLV on any Friday. The combo test is only $25 and the FeLV vaccination is just $25. 

If your cat tests positive for one of these viruses, it is not necessarily a death sentence. In fact, you should have your cat retested in three months, because the original test sometimes yields a false positive. Once you know your cat is not infected, the best remedy against FeLV is preventative. Please get your cat vaccinated. There is no vaccine against FIV, but knowing if your cat is infected will assist in how you care for him.

Pediatric Spay/Neuter Special: The YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is also offering $5 off every pediatric spay or neuter surgery scheduled through the end of June for pets five months old or younger.

Pediatric spay/neuter has been a subject of ongoing debate among some veterinarians - a debate fraught with misinformation, misconceptions and high emotions. Although millions of pediatric surgeries have been successfully performed over decades, some veterinarians still believe conclusive evidence for the practice is wanting.

However, many studies have been conducted that confirm that pediatric spay/neuter is safe and effective in both the short and long term.

In fact, as early as 1993, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) published surgical and anesthetic protocols for safely spaying or neutering animals as young as 6 weeks of age.

Some of the many advantages of pediatric spay/neuter: It is less physiologically stressful; requires only 2-4 hours fasting to prevent hypoglycemia; animals awake and are ambulatory usually within an hour; fewer perioperative complications; pyometra is easily prevented; prevents accidental pregnancies and the development of mammary gland tumors later in life.

Pediatric spay/neuter is an essential component of a comprehensive community strategy to end the killing of homeless animals. Make your appointment today!

Rattlesnake vaccinations: Due to popular demand, YHS is adding rattlesnake vaccinations to our core vaccine arsenal to help protect dogs exposed to rattlesnakes. This is especially important for active dog owners who love to hike or camp with their companion pets. The $16 vaccine can help dogs survive and recover more quickly from rattlesnake bites. Keep in mind, veterinary treatment for unvaccinated dogs suffering from a rattlesnake bite can quickly exceed $1,500.

You can get your dog(s) all their wellness vaccinations any Friday at the YHS Wellness Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for just $16 each. No appointment necessary on Fridays.

The Yavapai Humane Society Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is located at 2989 Centerpointe East in Prescott. Call 771-0547 or visit www.yavapaihumane.org/clinic for more information or to schedule a spay/neuter appointment for your pet.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

YHS program helps feral cats, provides safe rodent control

YHS Barn Cat Program
is designed to reduce shelter
killing, feral cat populations,
and rat infestations.

Two years ago the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) launched an innovative program designed to help solve three societal problems: shelter killing, feral cats and rodent infestation.

In a perfect world, all cats would have a loving home. Unfortunately, unaltered cats permitted to roam freely either become feral or produce feral offspring. Feral cats are wild and cannot be turned into house pets. When feral cats end up in shelters, they have little hope of coming out alive. Rather than kill feral cats, YHS promotes reducing their population through a process called TNR (trap/neuter/return).

For feral cats who find their way into the Yavapai Humane Society we've created the Barn Cat program to help save their lives - and we do that by putting them to work.

Through the Barn Cat program, feral cats are spayed and neutered and released into areas where they can do what they do best: prevent an overpopulation of rodents. Their reputation as stealthy and successful exterminators is well known and many homeowners and businesses rely on cats as a "green" rat abatement program.

Sadly, YHS recently rescued two dogs exposed to rat poison; one we were able to save, the other succumbed despite our best efforts. One benefit of the Barn Cat program is that it keeps rodents in check without toxic pest control chemicals that are dangerous to pets, wildlife and children.

The program also helps improve public health. Rodents carry many diseases including plague, leptospirosis, hantavirus, murine typhus, rat bite fever, salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium, and eosinophilic meningitis.

The beauty of barn cats is that rodents flee the area when these cats make their presence known. These sleek legends of grace and beauty give off an odor through their paws as they prowl. Once rodents get a whiff of feline, they vacate the premises.

Less grisly and more effective than glue traps, cats go about their "work" naturally. They prowl, they eat and they sit in the sun; although they prefer to spend much of their time hiding.

YHS barn cats are spayed or neutered so they don't contribute to the feral cat population. They are vaccinated so they help mitigate cat diseases in our community. They are microchipped so they can be returned to their owner should they end up in a shelter, and they are ear-tipped (under anesthesia while the cats are being altered; veterinarians notch an ear, which is the widely recognized sign that a feral cat is altered). All this for just $30 per cat.

When YHS Barn Cats are "employed," they are transported in large wire cages where they are housed for about a month at their new location. This process is called recolonizing. It takes about 30 days for a barn cat to be comfortable enough to consider their new environs home. YHS will help you colonize your barn cat and teach you how to care for them. YHS provides the cage for a refundable deposit.

Barn cats can be put in any safe area - businesses, hotels, industrial parks, residences, and of course, barns. If you are interested in participating in this cost-effective, humane rat abatement program, call YHS to be added to the barn cat list. You will be contacted when your barn cat is ready for you.

If you don't have a rodent problem but love cats and would like to help fund this non-lethal, humane program, please make a donation to YHS and specify "Barn Cat program."

For more information on feral cats visit www.yavapaihumane.org/felix. For more information on the YHS barn cat program or to place an order for your barn cat, call 928-515-2379.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

YHS to hold 'pit'y-party

Helen Keller said of her
pit bull, Sir Thomas, he
“seems to understand my
limitations, and is always
 close beside me when I
am alone. I love his
affectionate ways and the
eloquent wag of his tail.”

The Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) is throwing a Pity Party this week at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road in Prescott - and you're invited!  Join YHS behaviorist Ellen Paquin this Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a free educational seminar on the American pit bull, a breed blessed with tenacious athletic ability, loyalty, intelligence, and high energy.

All YHS dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped; this is over a $400 value - but this week every bully breed is available for just $25.

Pit bulls are not lap dogs nor are they for the sedentary person. They are not fashion accessories or macho symbols. They are a breed apart from every other canine on earth.

The U.S. military recognized this in the early 1900s when they chose the pit bull to represent the USA on WWI and WWII recruitment posters. Sergeant Stubby, a pit bull WWI war hero served in 17 battles, was injured twice in battle, saved his entire platoon by warning them of a poison gas attack, and captured a German spy. Stubby earned many medals for heroism. Stubby's New York Times obituary may be viewed at the Connecticut State Military Department's website.

Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, George Patton, Jack Dempsy, Helen Keller, Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, Anne Bancroft, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain all owned pit bulls. Celebrity pit bull owners include Jon Stewart, Alicia Silverstone, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Michael J. Fox, Bernadette Peters, Brad Pitt, Madonna and Rachael Ray.

Pit bulls are commonly used as therapy dogs at senior care facilities and to help people recover from emotional trauma. Pit bulls are also used in search and rescue missions and as narcotic- and bomb-sniffing dogs. One pit bull, Popsicle (rescued from an abandoned freezer), is responsible for the largest recorded drug bust in Texas history.

While certain purebreds are prone to many health problems, pit bulls are healthy and hardy. They are strong and long-lived. They are low-maintenance because their short coats are easy to care for; you'll have no grooming bills.

Most pit bulls are great with kids, too; consider Petey, the beloved dog featured in "The Little Rascals." Pit bulls were called "nanny dogs" in the early 20th century because of their gentle and loving disposition with kids.

Pits have great personality; even as they age, most remain playful. They are affectionate, appreciating their owner's attention and approval more than anything else.

According to The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS), an organization promoting uniform temperament evaluations for purebred and spayed/neutered mixed-breed dogs, the pit bull scores an 86.2 percent rate. That's better than the Australian shepherd (80.7 percent), beagle (80.3 percent), border collie (79.6 percent), boxer (84 percent), chihuahua (71.1 percent), cocker spaniel (81.9 percent), collie (79.2 percent), German shorthair (76 percent), golden retriever (83.8 percent), lhasa apso (70.4 percent), miniature poodle (77.9 percent) and sheltie (67.3 percent). ATTS also found bit bulls are generally less aggressive when faced with confrontational situations that produced negative reactions in many stereotypically "friendly" dogs, such as beagles and poodles.

In our community, pit bulls are so popular they represent the largest percentage of dogs rescued and adopted. If you want a super-dog, consider a YHS pit bull. YHS adoption counselors are always ready to help you select the perfect dog for you and your family.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.