KEEP DOGS OUT OF THE WATER IF BLUE-GREEN ALGAE IS PRESENT: TOXIC TO DOGS

Photo Credit: http://milliesgoldentails.com/about/

The government is checking for what toxins are present in the Blue-Green Algae blooms that have appeared in several of the Dartmouth Lakes, including Lake Banook and MicMac. Please DO NOT allow your dog to swim or step into the water where the blooms are present as it can be very toxic to our pets, acting extremely quickly, which could lead to death.

Please check with your Local Municipalities for any Blue-Green Algae Blooms in your area before allowing your dogs near the water.

It’s important to note that these articles suggest that it is not only dangerous for your dog to swim in this water, but walking along the shore where a bloom is present and then licking their paws could cause a toxic reaction. Please read the articles for all the details:

 

Photo Credit: sleloinvasives.org

Please check provincial park advisories: https://parks.novascotia.ca/content/current-advisories

 

Public Advisory:Please be Advised that Lambs Lake at Mickey Hill Provincial Park in Annapolis County is closed to…

Posted by County of Annapolis on Wednesday, August 29, 2018

HALIFAX TODAY:

’30 to 60 minutes and the dog is gone’ : Local veterinarian explains dangers of toxic blue-green algae

 

CBC:

Don’t swim in Lake Banook, Lake Micmac, HRM advises

GLOBAL NEWS:

Halifax issues risk advisory for Lake Banook and Lake Micmac due to blue-green algae

 

GOV’T OF NS:

FREEZING RAIN WARNING: Be Prepared, Stay Safe

FREEZING RAIN WARNING: A long-lasting period of freezing rain resulting in ice accumulation is expected or occurring.

 

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BEFORE THE STORM:

ID Tag/Microchip: 

Have your dog’s updated ID tags on their collar and the collar on them at all times during a storm. We recommend having your cell phone on your dog’s tag and that you have a dog licence from your municipality. Also, have your dog microchipped and the information kept up-to-date with the chip company/vets.

Long Walk:

Take your dog for a long walk as you both may be housebound for a few days.

Food and Meds:

Make sure you have enough dog food and medications in stock for both you and your dog. They recommend at least 72 hours worth.

Winter Dog Gear:

Get out your dog coats/sweaters and boots because when your dog has to go, they have to go. People will be using a lot of salt with this ice build up, so be prepared with dog boots or ointments to reduce the risk to your dogs pads. Have towels ready to dry off your dog after being out in the storm.

Evacuation:

Prepare ahead of time and have a plan for your family and your pets incase you had to evacuate your home. You can find a great article on planning ahead for your pets safety during an evacuation here. And disaster preparedness for pets here.

Have toys ready for indoor play:

Stuff kong’s with your dogs food or special treats, use interactive toys where both you and your dog work together, have chew toys ready: Your dog will be anxious and active and you will need to burn some of that energy off while indoors.

Print a copy of this list:

You can find a copy of this list for printing here.

DURING THE STORM:

Only outside for bathroom breaks:

Limit the time you and your dog spend outside during the worst of the storm. Ice makes the streets and sidewalks dangerous and the storm itself may cause havoc. Don’t forget your own cleats for your boots as everywhere you step will be icy. (Information on hypothermia in dogs can be found here.)

Leashed when outside:

Please keep them on leash, even within a fenced yard during the storm. Winds, heavy ice build up, noise of salt trucks, falling branches, etc. All these things can cause your dog to bolt. A dog bolting from fear can leap high fences and/or run for long distances.

Power Outage:

Stay calm so your dog stays calm as well.

Don’t forget to keep your dog warm by providing them with blankets or sweaters.

Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold:

Call your local Animal Control or the Provincial SPCA Cruelty Investigations to report a dog left out in the cold. You could also try your local Police or RCMP. Contact Information listed by County for Nova Scotia can be found here: www.ns.lostdognetwork.com/contact-list/

AFTER THE STORM:

Before you let your dog out, check your yard:

Thoroughly check the yard after the storm for any open gates, broken fence sections, hanging or downed branches/trees, power lines down, downed live wires, etc.

Road Salts:

After a snow storm the sidewalks may be very icy and/or covered in road salt. “When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals (road salt) and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur.”*

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* AVMA Cold Weather Pet Safety: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx

Disaster Preparedness and your Pets

Photo: Animal Hospital of West Chester

 

This is an excellent link to help you prepare for any disaster you may face with your pet. Please read through, make a plan, be prepared and share your new found information to help make more pets and their owners safe.

 

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/disaster-preparedness-pet-checklist/

 

The Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia: Here is a local Nova Scotia Group doing all they can to help out our pets in a disaster… lots of good information, courses, kits, etc., are available here:

http://www.dartns.org