HW - The Wormy Truth About Heartworm

The Wormy Truth About Heartworm 

     I will be honest from the start...when I first got my very own dog and the vet suggested that it was time to think about what I would like to use for flea and heartworm prevention, I looked at him confused. What on Earth was a heartworm? We had, had dogs my entire life and I knew that they received their flea medicine but I had never heard of the term "heartworm" before. Needless to say, I also made a quick call to my parents after my vet explained the term to me. (No worries! All of my pups growing up got their monthly heartworm preventative also..it seems as though I was the only who didn't know what heartworms were.)  .....Then I started in rescue and it became inevitably clear that I was not the only person that didn't know what a heartworm was. 

 As a matter of fact, it seemed as though many of the dogs that came into rescue tested heartworm positive. I was shocked, and I am sure that many readers will feel the same. Truth of the matter is, people in this area (and many areas) simply do not know about these types of things or their importance because they've never really been given the information. Here I was, a BIG dog lover, rescuing my first pup, and then realizing that I really didn't have a clue as to what I was actually doing...and that's totally okay! Luckily, there are others out there that do know (thankfully I am one of those now) and WANT to help you understand these things too! 

What is heartworm?

This seems like a great starting point. First of all, what is heartworm? Glad you asked!!

 **Pets Avenue Vet Clinic - Singapore**

Heartworm is a disease that is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes. (EEK!) They bite your pet and BAM there it is. Heartworm can cause a lot of health issues and can even be fatal for your pet. Here is a nice diagram showing how the heartworm life cycle is carried out in your dog(s)...

 Sounds pretty awful huh? Well it definitely is...and our area, Kentucky, is known for dogs that are tested positive for heartworm. EVEN if your dog is an INSIDE dog...it still NEEDS to be protected from heartworm! Here's more information:

 I hope you caught that---heartworms can be PREVENTED!

But before we get to that..I want to share something else also....

     

Yep, that's right..though cats are not as prone to getting heartworm as dogs, they can still get it! 

 

  Double EEK!

Let's Review

So...lets see what we have established so far...

1. heartworms are a disease that are carried and spread by mosquitos

2. Both dogs and cats can get heartworm

3. Kentucky animals are definitely at risk for HW

4. Heartworm can make your pet very sick and even be fatal 

5. There are ways to prevent your pet from getting HW

 

What can I do to prevent this??

Okay..so lets move on to the good part..prevention, prevention, prevention! It is likely that you already give your cat/dog a pill or topical solution each month to help prevent fleas. Well, preventing heartworm is also that easy!

You pretty much have 2 options!

#1 - buy a heartworm pill each month to go along with your already established flea prevention.

#2 - buy a HW/flea combo so that you're only giving your pet one medication monthly.

 Here is an EXAMPLE of different medications that are out there. (WPEL is  NOT suggesting, promoting, or advertising for these companies)

 (Again, WPEL is not suggesting, promotoing, or advertising for these companies)

How do I start my animals on HW prevention? 

 In order to start your dog/cat on heartworm prevention you MUST speak with your veterinarian. The first thing your vet will do is perform a heartworm test on your animal. This is done with a blood sample and really isn't expensive at all. He/she will be able to give you the results of the test within minutes.

If your animal is heartworm negative then your veterinarian will be able to help you decide on the best medication for them. If your pet is heartworm positive then another process must be followed.

What if my animal is heartworm positive?

In most instances heartworm is treatable..depending on the stage (how long your pet has been carrying it). Heartworm treatment can be costly depending on the severity. Your vet will be able to go over all treatment options with you. Just because the test comes back positive doesn't mean it is all over. There are many, many animals who get treatment by simply taking a pill every month for a specific amount of time and then retesting is done. Don't give up on your pet...this is a treatable disease!

 Sadly, many people are either unaware of the importance of heartworm prevention or are unmotivated to make sure their animals receive the prevention they need. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY as a pet owner to ensure that your animal receives the care that they need...this prevention is very, very necessary and isn't expensive. Don't let your pet become a statistic! 

 

To learn more about heartworm, prevention, statistics and more please visit the following website:

Heartworm Society - Heartworm Basics 

If you have any questions about Heartworms, preventatives, treatments, or about WPEL please contact us at woofpacked@gmail.com or on our WPEL Facebook page! We look forward to hearing from you!

                                                                       Fur & Belly Rubs,

                                                                                        WPEL

 

Can I Catch a Ride? - Transport Bliss

Can I Catch a Ride? - Transport Bliss

If you live in the state of Kentucky then you may or may not be aware of the KY laws regarding animals. If you are aware, then you probably are also frustrated at how few there are, the fact that many important factors are overlooked...and you're probably even aware that most of them are never or at least rarely enforced.

I'm sure you also know that there are no ordinances for animals which means you can pretty much do and have whatever you want...which leads to things like puppy mills, an alarming amount of strays, and of course overpopulation. What does overpopulation do? Well that leads to high kill animal shelters...they are simply so overwhelmed in this area that they do not have the room or resources to care for the amount of animals they must take in day after day.

So, if overpopulation is such a problem in this area then how is it that several shelters in the area have extremely low euthanasia rates? Well, thankfully there are shelter directors, volunteers, and rescues in our area that help and do everything they can for animals..but at the end of the day it still isn't enough.

Thankfully, there are states with lots of animal laws and ordinances that help! Some states have a law that you can only have 2 pets per household and that both MUST be SPAYED OR NEUTERED. (In case you aren't sure...spay/neuter is where said animal is “fixed” so that they are unable to reproduce. We've mentioned this in other blogs and will likely have a full blown spay/neuter blog coming up soon)What?! In many cases I would be like “I don't need any form of government telling me what to do” ---but this is actually a REALLY, REALLY good thing! These states don't have high kill shelters, they don't have hoarders, no puppy mills, not thousands of strays living on the street. But how does that help animals in KY??---A LOT actually! There are wonderful people out there every single day working with rescues in other states to help pull from the high kill shelters here in Kentucky..fosters are set up, adoptions arrangements are made (YES! Many of these dogs have adopters waiting before they ever leave the shelter!), vetting is handled...the whole process is really amazing and a TRUE blessing to animals in our area. But as anything goes...it takes a TEAM to make it all happen. Do you like how big I made the word team?? There is a reason for that!!

Steps we take to find homes for the homeless...

STEP 1: So here is how it works...a VOLUNTEER (that's right..we don't get paid for this!) works with rescues to find room for dogs in the high kill shelters here. I'm talking photos, crossposting, phone calls, plea emails..you name it! The rescues find fosters/adopters and then agree on what they can take at the time and BAM the ball starts rolling.

STEP 2: Then we must figure out how to get dogs from point A to point B. Many times this includes hours of travel for the animal involved. Often a wonderful VOLUNTEER will then work on transport. Often, there will be many LEGS to a transport. For example:

*8:00am – animals leave shelter in Hazard, KY (just an example!)

*9:00am – animals arrive in London, KY for second leg of transport

*10:00am – animals arrive in Lexington, KY for third leg of transport

*11:20am – animals arrive in Louisville, KY for fourth leg of transport

*Animals are transported to rescue in Illinois

See how that works? Everyone only drives around an hour and TADA animals are SAFE!

The volunteer works to fill all the legs of transport long before the plan is carried out.

Step 3: Transport legs are filled! (This is a very hard task often). Transport takes place.

That Sounds Easy! I wouldn't mind doing that!

Transport is soooo important and it only takes a small amount of your time! It is an absolute blessing to helps these animals find their way to safe and loving homes! I can't tell you how rewarding it is to do the transport and then actually watch the rest of their journey through posts on the rescues pages! LOVE IT!

So how do I get started??

Easy! You can contact us at woofpacked@gmail.com or visit our facebook page! You can also look up an amazing organization called Mobile Mutts.org that does transports like this regularly! And of course pay attention to other rescues & shelters that will post asking for transport help.

What do I need in order to transport?

Here is a good list! I'm always remembering things when I do transports to add to the list!

1. A vehicle...haha..guess that one is a no brainer!
2. Leashes so that you can transfer animals from difference vehicles. (Please be very careful here. Some dogs scare very easily and may try to run. Just be prepared!)
3. Crates or pet carriers...some dogs aren't great car riders. And sometimes you'll transport puppies..and they tend to get a little car sick. It's a great idea to have a pet carrier with puppy pads or an old towel inside.(Often the shelter/rescue will help provide carriers if needed....and sometimes even gas money.)
4. Extra towels/rags for clean up if necessary.
5. Sanitary wipes
6. Wear old clothes but also take an extra change of clothes with you (just trust me on this one!)
7. A phone for communication purposes – make sure to have contact information for both people you are meeting! Choose drop off areas that are away from a main road, with plenty of room. You just never know when you may get a runner.
8. Notebook to track your mileage (If transporting for a registered non profit 501c3 then every transport you make can be turned in on your taxes!)
9. Make sure to do a headcount and that you have all animals that they told you would be there. Rescues/shelters should give you an exact number and should not stray for that. They should also NOT feed the animals prior to transport because of car sickness..

I'm sure there is more that I am forgetting but you'll learn as you go what extra you'll need to bring with you!

Today...Woof Pack Educational League transported 15 puppies and two momma dogs to the third leg of transport...we had a lot of fun and of course I even got some puppy snuggles out of the deal!!

             

If you have ANY questions about this or any other blog please contact us by facebook or email us at woofpacked@gmail.com!

JOIN US FOR SOME TRANSPORT FUN TODAY!!

Pet Ed:101 Things to Know About Routine Pet Care

Pet Education: 101

What YOU need to know about routine pet care

“It's cute and it's cuddly and I want it.” Well of course you do! Puppies and kittens and animals in general are often cute little fur balls that we just want to kiss, and snuggle, and hug. 

 

Hard to resist! BUT before you take the plunge of becoming a pet owner...or even if you are a new pet owner please read and consider the following! Being a RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER is a BIG deal. If you have consented in any way to said animal(s) then they are YOUR responsibility. They are NOT just things that you can discard like trash when you decide you no longer want them...or just objects that you can push to the side when you are tired of fooling with them. PET are a LONG TERM COMMITTMENT and you should go into pet ownership with that in mind.

 

Okay, now that we have touched that subject (one that I could go on & on & on about) we will move on to routine pet care for dogs and cats (since those are the most popular pets—though I would be glad to research other care for other types of animals if you wish..just shoot us an email and I'll put my googling skills to work!)

I got a (insert pet here), now what?!

Well, that really depends on which option you chose. Of course since we are so avid and pro adoption we will just assumed that you truly SAVED your furry best friend! With that we can go 1 of 2 ways..see below...

#1 – I found this poor little (cat/dog) outside wondering all on its own and I just knew that it was meant to be. (Yes, this does happen. Yes, we strongly believe that sometimes animals in need FIND US)

**NOTE: I tried to find a photo of a cat snuggling with its best friend that saved them from the streets...after “hours” of searching I am quite certain that said photo does not exist...**

However..I do believe the photo may look as follows...

Okay..so here is what you do!

1. Take said animal inside...I usually go ahead and give them a good bath, some food, fresh water, and show them where their new “hide out” is. (Crate with bed)
2. Make an appointment to take said animal to the VET. This isn't OPTIONAL..THIS IS A REQUIREMENT! Animals need vet care...routinely..go ahead..get used to it. The vet will give a full health evaluation from heart, to worms, to age...they will also give vaccinations (puppies require several of this 6weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks. I can't stress how VITAL these are!! They will protect your pup against all kinds of diseases). You'll also want to get the rabies (for puppies it is at 16 weeks.) THIS IS LAW in KY! ALL PETS ARE REQUIRED BY KENTUCKY STATE LAW TO HAVE A RABIES VACCINATION THAT IS YEARLY UP TO DATE! ------Cats have similar vaccinations but they cover different diseases that are prone to cats including feline leukemia.-------
3. Here is a checklist of all the essentials you'll need for your new best friend. 
   
   
   

   

    
   ***This doesn't just apply to puppies but to dogs of many ages*** Cats are a little different as they would rather have a scratching post than chew toys and don't typically sleep in crates..they would enjoy a nice bed however.

#2 – I ADOPTED!!

Well first all...that is AWESOME!! We HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND PROMOTE PET ADOPTIONS!!! From cats, to dogs, to bunnies...you never know what you'll find in rescue!!

------Still schedule a vet appointment and learn as much as you can from said pet from the rescue you adopted from. Make sure to get all paperwork and all the supplies your new friend will need. (see checklist above)

#3 – I want to adopt but those adoption fee's are outrageous!

Oops! Did I forget to mention that there was a third option??! My bad.

Yes, rescues charge adoption fees..they have to...see photo below...

This is just one example of what they cover as far as vetting goes. Many rescues will provide all of the following in their adoption fee (I assure you the fee covers vetting and not much else...if at all)

• vaccinations
• rabies vaccinations
• heart worm test
• heart worm and flea preventative ($15 or more a month for one dog)
• spay/neuter (a minimum of $150 if you were to do in on your own)
• micropchip (also $100 )
  **Some rescues also deal with illness/injuries such as animals that have parvo, have been hit by cars, and more...

Most rescues use fosters that can help tell you lost of info on your new friend as well! There really is NO wrong in adoption!! AND it gives you more money to spend on your new friend!!

Responsible pet ownership also means the following:

• routine vet care
• keeping your pet safe at ALL times- inside, no running loose,
• emergency vet care if and when needed
• shelter, fresh water, nutritional food
  This isn't a get it and let it do whatever situation..that is why pets are in shelters, over populating, and getting hurt. When deciding to get a pet please make sure you and your family are 100% ready for a LONG TERM commitment....and I guarantee it will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make!
  
  

  
  
  If you have ANY QUESTIONS about this blog or caring for your pet please send us an email at woofpacked@gmail.com!

Do You Work Here?

Do You Work Here??

        You would be shocked at how often people ask that! There we are, in our pretty purple shirts that read our rescue name and logo on the front, an inspiring little rescue quote on the back. We are walking, talking to people, petting the dogs...and then there it is...the question of the day. Do you work here? Well, yes and no? It's a hard question to answer...but of course like any other person, I want people to know that I am a volunteer. And to many volunteers that really means something...so, I shall share with you the correct and acceptable definition of a volunteer.

Just to be clear..that last part reads, "there is no financial gain". Now with that being said, volunteering in the animal rescue world does offer its rewards...we will get to that in a minute however.

This is generally how volunteers (including myself) generally start out...
          I'm not really exaggerating here either....

    We get to play with dogs! We get to save lives! We get to make a difference! Yes, we do all of that and more actually.Through rescues thousands of animals are saved each year! What an amazing feat that is! But those animals also were cared for, fed, adopted out, fostered, transported, or boarded.
     For most volunteers, we do what we can. Maybe that means we work our 40 hours a week and then try to spend an addition 10-12 hours a week working adoption events and helping share things online. For other volunteers like our board members, that means working their usual paying jobs/careers and then devoting another 20+ hours to the dogs in our rescue. In a typical day (and I would love to actually film a documentary titled "A Day in the Life of a Rescuer"Don't steal my title either! - perhaps that will be something to watch in the future!) rescuers may do all of the following..usually twice...

• Feed the dogs in boarding/kennels
• Try to give them some exercise
• Change their bedding 
• Give them fresh water
• Clean their crates
• Bath them (if it's adoption event day)
• Answer emails
• Return phone calls
• Update all social media: facebook, blogs, petfinder, adoptapet, website
• Do transports if necessary
• Make trip (often trips plural) to the vets office to drop off dogs, check on dogs, get medicine for dogs
• Organize paper work
• Make deposit to pay vet and other rescue expenses
• Balance the bank account
• Handle adoption applications and foster applications
• Check on dogs in foster homes
• Check on dogs that have been adopted in the last 2 weeks
• Plan and organize adoption event for the following weekend (Many rescues have them every weekend)
• Try to come up with creative ways to showcase dogs
• Deal with behavior issues
• Deal with people wanting to "surrender" their pet that they just love so very much
• Plead for more fosters
• and...... somewhere in there find time to take care of our own animals..

(Mind you this is a short list of what we deal with daily).
So by the time we actually get to speaking to the public or done with our day we often look like this....

or this....................

                                                    or this...............................

     Am I whining? Complaining? No! Of course not! I am a VOLUNTEER! I am doing this because it is what I feel called to do. Truth of the matter is....we need more volunteers! The more we have the easier the job is on the rest of us.

                                              

                    Why Volunteer??         Common Excuses & Misconceptions       

       1. I don't have the time or money to volunteer.  
           I totally forgot that we are all stay at home, retired, rich individuals. NOT! Most of us work as nurses, teachers, for the city, for corporate businesses, in the school system...you name it. Our volunteers do amazing work every day in their full time jobs. It isn't that we have loads of extratime and money to spend. We do it because we love it...give it a chance and I am sure you will too.

             2. I would get too attached to the dogs.
         Well, it is what it is on this one. Yes, you will get attached. Some of these dogs will break your heart into a million pieces when they go...but then, you'll see them in the arms of their new family, you'll see updates of them sleeping safe in a bed, playing with their new toys, and spending time with their new family and believe me...every single second you have spent with that animal will be more than worth it. 

            3. I have animals of my own to care for.
       Um...did you read somewhere that you can't have any pets to volunteer or foster? I didn't think so. All of us have pets and families of our own. It is up to YOU to decide how much, how often, and when you want to volunteer! That's part of the joy of volunteering! There will always be a solid base group of volunteers that continue to make sure the show keeps on going...but we want you to be a part of that..no matter how big or small your part is! 

       4. I did my part, my last dog was a rescue.
     Hello! All the more reason you should volunteer! Share your rescues story and then honor them by helping those that still haven't found their forever home yet. I realize that not everyone is a straightforward, say what they think, animals rights activist, and rescue advocate. I get that...but guess what..YOU can do something! We appreciate people telling us what a great job we do... but to be completely honest....the animals thank us more than we could ever ask for. If you really want to thank us..then help us..volunteer, donate, share, transport, foster...every little bit helps. Every small amount goes farther than you may think.

  
What if we all said, "Oh, there are people out there caring 

for those animals"? I challenge, I encourage you to step up,

 step out, better your community, better you life by giving 

back! 
                  

    Have another passion? Maybe you want to help kids, the elderly....it doesn't matter. Being a volunteer means doing something good for someone or something else...so get out there and do it already! You won't regret it!! 

                                                   

  Sleep like a baby knowing that the world is a little better because you spent just a little bit of time helping those in need. 

Have questions about this blog or volunteering? Please email us at woofpacked@gmail.com or look us up on facebook!