‘Tis the Season for Pet Allergies

‘Tis the Season for Pet Allergies

Think only humans suffer from seasonal allergies? Think again!  Like humans, pets can experience the negative effects of allergies. The most common pet allergies are fleas and seasonal allergies due to environmental elements such as grass and pollen. Symptoms of environmental allergies include sneezing, swelling of the feet, hair loss in the underbelly, and watery eyes.  If your pet experiences hair loss, constant itching, hot spots, or other skin issues that are unresolved or show up continuously, allergies may be the culprit. These symptoms are most prevalent at the beginning of the spring season and may require prescription medicine and specific allergy tests in order to pin point the allergen and to figure out the correct course of action and medication needed to treat the allergies. This is true especially if the symptoms are severe. Sometimes, the allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medication such as Benadryl (in dogs), If the allergies are more severe, your vet will prescribe medication.

Many pets also have flea allergies, which are easily addressed with monthly flea protection. Talk to your veterinarian about suspected allergies.

Food allergies are also very common. Typical indicators of allergies include watery eyes, hair loss, severe itching or swelling. Additional symptoms include irregular stool or diarrhea, vomiting, or if it’s a case of anaphylactic shock, pets will display an inability to breathe and the loss of bowel control. The most common ingredient that causes food allergies is corn, so grain free food is always recommended to keep food allergies at bay. Some pets may also be allergic to a specific type of protein such as beef, chicken or fish, so it would be important to monitor your pet’s reactions when ingesting food with the specific protein in order to pin point allergies and to help you feed the right kind of food.

The following are likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs who are sensitive to them:

·       Tree, grass and weed pollens

·       Mold spores

·       Dust and house dust mites

·       Dander

·       Feathers

·       Cigarette smoke

·       Food ingredients (e.g. beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy)

·       Prescription medications

·       Fleas and flea-control products (Only a few flea bites can trigger intense itchiness for two to three weeks!)

·       Perfumes

·       Cleaning products

·       Fabrics

·       Insecticidal shampoo

·       Rubber and plastic materials

It is important to keep in mind that a flea allergy may only require a few flea bites to trigger intense itchiness for 2 to 3 weeks. Many cats with allergies to plastic materials will display missing hair around their mouths.

It is also a good idea to have Benadryl in pill form as part of your pet’s first aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about the correct dosage in case of an emergency for your pet, so you can be prepared.  If you are notice any symptoms mentioned above, contact your veterinarian immediately and discuss what could be the cause and the appropriate course of treatment. A healthy pet is a happy pet!

Today Marks National Dog Fighting Awareness Day

Today Marks National Dog Fighting Awareness Day

Dog fighting is one of the worst acts of animal abuse that exists today. The Humane Society estimates that there are over 40,000 “professional” dog fighters in U.S., and there could be an additional 100,000 “street” dog fighters. It is a cruel and inhumane money making machine where not only those gambling on the dogs make money; breeding winning males can generate thousands of dollars to dog fighters while females are strapped down to rape stands for reproduction. Their puppies are often sold at a very high price.

Fights average one to two hours, ending when one of the dogs will not or cannot continue. The dog that cannot continue is either too injured to do so or did not survive. Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight as the people involved do not provide care for any wounds inflicted. Rather, they let them suffer to die from their injuries.

Usually the dog fighters punish a dog with further abuse for not fighting up to standards or for not fighting at all. An example of this in-humaneness is Miss Blue, a sweet Pit Bull who was recently rescued from a dog fighting ring in LA. They cut off her ear as a punishment for refusing to fight. Miss Blue suffered from multiple bites and wounds, and this isn’t even the most severe case we’ve come across. Another horrific example is Oogy. You can read his story here: http://www.animals-abused.org/oogy-story.htm

In addition, the brutality used in training these dogs to fight is nothing short of sadistic. When former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was convicted on federal charges related to dog fighting in 2007, this cruel underground blood sport was thrust into the spotlight. It also brought to light the merciless treatment of these dogs that includes electrocuting; hanging, drowning, and their training methods are equally as horrific.

The ASPCA designated April 8 as National Dog Fighting Awareness Day (NDFAD) to “increase understanding and awareness about dog fighting and to encourage animal-lovers across the country to take a stand against this brutal form of cruelty.”

Dog fighting is a felony in 48 states (Misdemeanor in Idaho and Wyoming). The Department of Justice is slowly starting to crack down on dog fighting rings. Other agencies and offices under the DOJ that play role in putting an end to animal fighting include:

  • Offices of the United States Attorneys
  • United States Marshals Service (USMS)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Signs that dog fighting is occurring in your community include the following:

  • Elusive neighbors that are often seen with different dogs especially pitbulls
  • Evidence of suffering dogs (crying, foul odors, injured dogs often appear in your neighborhood)
  • Dogs coming up missing often in your neighborhood
  • Breeding facilities with dog houses or toppled drums that are separated and where dogs are chained and cannot socialize such as this:

If you are aware of or suspect dog fighting in your community, please call your local law enforcement officials. You can be a part of the national movement to help put an end to this form of animal abuse.

You can also send a message to the Anti-Dog Fighting Campaign, a global organization dedicated to putting an end to dog fighting worldwide, with various chapters in the US and Canada. You can message them via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AntiDogFightingCampaign?fref=ts or via twitter by following @ADFCampaign. Your information will be kept confidential. Information you provide may help with current investigations in your area or launch new ones.

In addition, the ASPCA offers a wealth of information on the issue of dog fighting and how you can take a stand. For more information and to join the campaign to put an end to this cruel “sport” please go to: https://www.aspca.org/dogfighting

*Photos of actual dogs rescued by the ASPCA in dog fighting raids. Photo credit: ASPCA

Sources: ASPCA, Humane Society, PETA

 

D-LINK SUPPORTS PAW PRINTS IN THE SAND FOR OC GIVING DAY

The Leading Technology Company Will Help Raise Funds for Animals in Need

Newport Beach, Calif., – March 29, 2016 – Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization announced today that it has received the support of D-Link for the second annual #iHeartOC Giving Day, a 30-hour online event that allows individuals to come together as a community and support Orange County based nonprofit organizations.

In an effort to help Paw Prints in the Sand raise funds for its animal rescue initiatives and programs, D-Link will donate 5  Wi-Fi Cameras, which will be raffled to those who make a donation of $50 or more during OC Giving day.

“We are thrilled that D-Link has joined us again to help us raise much needed funds to help homeless pets,” said Kelly Reeves, president of Paw Prints in the Sand. “We are truly grateful for D-Link’s continued support. It means so much to receive help from the local Orange County business community, especially in the underserved area of animal rescue.”

OC Giving Day will begin at 6am on Wednesday April 27, 2016 and end at noon on Thursday April 28, 2016. Secure, tax-deductible donations can be made online at iheartoc.org.

Paw Prints in the Sand and D-Link will also be using specific hashtags including #iheartoc, #unselfie, and #ppits #DLink as a way to find more information about the iHeartOC giving day and making donations.

Paw Prints in the Sand rescues companion animals that need it most – severe medical and behavioral cases, pregnant pets and those who had a litter in the shelter, and senior pets. The organization relies 100% on donations to cover medical expenses, food, and other supplies needed for the pets it saves. It is truly committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming the neediest of animals in need.

If you are interested in joining the Paw Prints in the Sand iHeartOC Giving Day initiative, please visit http://www.iheartoc.org.

About Paw Prints in the Sand
Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehoming and rehabilitating abused, abandoned, neglected and stray companion animals. Virtually all donated funds go directly toward the care of the animals. Headquartered in Orange County, California, Paw Prints in the Sand is an all-volunteer, all-foster organization committed to placing animals in loving, responsible, committed forever homes.

Paw Prints in the Sand raises funds through events, donations, and continuing contributions from its supporters. For more information or to make a donation, visit the organizations Web site at www.pawprintsinthesand.org. You can also visit PPITS on Facebook and Instagram @PPITSresq, and on Twitter @PPITSRescue

About D-Link
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit us.dlink.com, or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink) or D-Link’s blog (http://blog.dlink.com/).

 

 

 

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PAW PRINTS IN THE SAND JOINS THE #iHeartOC ANNUAL GIVING DAY

The Nonprofit Animal Rescue Aims to Raise Local Awareness While Raising Funds to Help Animals in Need

Newport Beach, Calif., – March 16, 2016 – Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has joined the second annual #iHeartOC Giving Day, a 30-hour online event that allows individuals to come together as a community and support the hard work of Orange County based nonprofit organizations. Hosted by the Orange County Community Foundation, the event also provides OC nonprofits with an opportunity to gain exposure and build meaningful relationships with local donors, volunteers and supporters.

Last year 347 nonprofits participated and came together to raise over $1.8 million. This year the Foundation hopes to exceed those with over 400 participating nonprofits and generate over $2 million in donations in 30 hours.  

“We are a relatively new nonprofit- less than two years old- so it’s vitally important for us to engage with our local community to raise awareness on the issues that we face right here at home: our local kill shelters, animal abuse, abandonment and neglect. And yes, these are issues in Orange County, and we aim to shed light on them and make a difference,” said Kelly Reeves, president of Paw Prints in the Sand.

OC Giving Day will begin at 6am on Wednesday April 27, 2016 and end at noon on Thursday April 28, 2016. Secure, tax-deductible donations can be made online at iheartoc.org.

Paw Prints in the Sand will also be using specific hashtags including #iheartoc, #unselfie, and #ppits as a way to find more information about the iHeartOC giving day and making donations.

Paw Prints in the Sand rescues companion animals that need it most – severe medical and behavioral cases, pregnant pets and those who had a litter in the shelter, and senior pets. The organization relies 100% on donations to cover medical expenses, food, and other supplies needed for the pets it saves. It is truly committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming the neediest of animals in need.

If you are interested in joining the Paw Prints in the Sand iHeartOC Giving Day initiative, please visit http://www.iheartoc.org.

About Paw Prints in the Sand
Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehoming and rehabilitating abused, abandoned, neglected and stray companion animals. Virtually all donated funds go directly toward the care of the animals. Headquartered in Orange County, California, Paw Prints in the Sand is an all-volunteer, all-foster organization committed to placing animals in loving, responsible, committed forever homes.

Paw Prints in the Sand raises funds through events, donations, and continuing contributions from its supporters. For more information or to make a donation, visit the organizations Web site at www.pawprintsinthesand.org. You can also visit PPITS on Facebook and Instagram @PPITSresq, and on Twitter @PPITSRescue

About Orange County Community Foundation
Since 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation has granted over $252 million to local nonprofits and students seeking higher education. Its mission is to positively impact the community while bringing people together to support causes they care about the most.  

About iHeartOC Giving Day
iHeartOC Giving Day is an opportunity for individuals to come together as a community and help support local nonprofit organizations.  The online event brought in over $1.8 million for 347 different participating nonprofits. This year over 400 nonprofits are participating. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made online through a secure server.

 

 

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PAW PRINTS IN THE SAND REACHES GUIDESTAR GOLD

By Reaching Gold, The Animal Rescue Has Achieved the Highest Standard for Nonprofit Impact and Effectiveness by the Nation’s Premiere Nonprofit Database

Newport Beach, Calif., – March xx, 2016 – Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization, has achieved Gold Participation Level in the GuideStar Exchange program.  This is the only program of its kind that encourages and rewards nonprofits for transparency, impact, and legitimacy on a national level. 

“When we started Paw Prints in the Sand, we wanted to be more than just an animal rescue. We wanted to be a non-profit organization that truly makes a difference,” stated Kelly Reeves, president of Paw Prints in the Sand. “We are thrilled to reach Gold status with GuideStar. It is a testament to our dedication to not only saving lives, but to ensure we are operating ethically and truly making an impact.”

In order to earn gold status, Paw Prints in the Sand had to meet the requirements outlined for Bronze and Silver statuses, but also chart impact, strategies, capabilities, indicators, and progress. By reaching gold level participation, Paw Prints in the Sand has provided a credible way to instill trust in the general public, donors, and other organizations in the nonprofit sector.  Meeting these requirements is a demonstration of how Paw Prints in the Sand is truly making a difference.

About Paw Prints in the Sand
Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehoming and rehabilitating abused, abandoned, neglected and stray companion animals. Virtually all donated funds go directly towards the care of the animals. Headquartered in Orange County, California, Paw Prints in the Sand is an all-volunteer, all-foster organization committed to placing animals in loving, responsible, committed forever homes.

Paw Prints in the Sand raises funds through events, donations, and continuing contributions from its supporters. For more information or to make a donation, visit the organizations Web site at www.pawprintsinthesand.org. You can also visit PPITS on facebook and Instagram @PPITSresq, and on Twitter @PPITSRescue

About Guidestar
Guidestar, founded in 1994, is a major information service specializing in reporting on nonprofit companies in the United States. Its mission is “to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving.” More simply, the public charity collects, analyzes, and presents information neutrally about different organizations. It also serves to verify that donated funds go where the donor intended and that the recipient is a verified and legitimate organization.  For more information visit http://www.guidestar.org.

 

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