Carrie Brueckner Cpdt-Ka

07/31/2024

Essential oils are dangerous for pets, especially cats. Some can be "safe" when used appropriately. Zevo(bug killer marketed as safe for pets), contains many essential oils that will kill cats. The oils in these articles are just a few common ones that are toxic for pets, especially cats. Cats lack an enzyme that aids in filtering these toxins, so kidney and liver failure is swift. Because cats lick themselves frequently, even contact with these oils can be deadly.

https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/risks-of-essential-oils-for-cats

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/ #:~:text=Essential%20oils%20can%20pose%20a,certain%20toxins%20like%20essential%20oils.

Essential oils and cats are not always safe to be around together. Learn about the dangers of essential oil poisoning and their potential toxicity to cats.

07/15/2024

Very clear information on the use of aversive tools in training/behavior modification. When you know better, you should do better.

These devices can have a negative impact on dogs' physical and psychological welfare, and are not more effective than "positive" methods.

07/11/2024

Love this idea. I use a piller on my cat weekly and never thought to put some yummy treat in it too. Can't wait to do this and make this experience better for my little girl!
https://www.fundamentallyfeline.com/teach-your-cat-to-use-a-pill-popper-positively-and-willingly/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1NkEvYprNwe_7k7wH0bLkaXeIndKot4ZTBfx4uc4DIzGQ5Po7INcl99Jw_aem_OpfPPLX1Dp2ZdE3wlsyxEA

In this clip I teach you how to turn a pill popper into a delicious food dispenser! This technique will allow you to medicate your cat without any restraint and minimal handling! This is a very positive medicating strategy! Be sure to check out all of my medicating, behavior and training videos at f...

06/25/2024

In addition to the info below, lessen flight risk by: using baby gates at doors, deck stairs, etc, close your dog in a crate (if they already like it) or favorite room with lots of fun puzzle toys and chews, and/or consider keeping your dog on a leash. And never take dogs to the fireworks. It's the number one place dogs get loose and lost during the 4th of July holiday.

06/17/2024

Heat stress can transition to heat stroke very quickly. Here's how to keep your pet safe when it's hot outside.

The number of dogs who suffer from heat stress increases in warmer weather. Be sure you know the signs of heat stress, it could save your pet's life.

06/17/2024

06/16/2024

PSA... your dog does not want to walk or be outside in extreme weather. Take 5 minute strolls multiple times a day if you must. A better option: focus on enrichment activities, brain games and training.

06/05/2024

A friendly PSA about hermit crabs because of the upcoming carnivals: they are notoriously one of the most abused and neglected pets because people do not educate themselves! They are advertised as an *easy beginner* pet but they are anything but that. They require very specific temperature and humidity levels and complex diets! They also require 6-8 inches of sand to burrow and tunnel and properly molt, both salt water and fresh water pools deep enough to submerge in, and plenty of enrichment such as things to climb on and AT LEAST 10 gallons of space per crab. Painted shells are toxic to them, wire metal mesh cages are toxic to them and it’s impossible to maintain temperature and humidity, water sponges are toxic and harbor bacteria. If you or your child are interested in bringing one home from the carnival, just be aware that they’ve already gone through a lot of stress and are already slowly dying because of the inhumane conditions they are always kept in. Please please please educate yourselves and know that these tiny creatures deserve the best care also!!! It is a very expensive hobby to start up!!

05/22/2024

🤣🤣🤣🤣 exactly!

04/04/2024

Finding kittens outside doesn't mean they're in danger. Read to find out what to do.

https://www.facebook.com/share/J8oGnpAaADDyBFjb/?mibextid=oFDknk

As spring blooms and summer approaches, shelters like ours are inundated with adorable bundles of fur—kittens galore! This surge in feline reproduction during warmer months keeps our dedicated staff and volunteers on their toes, working tirelessly to provide for these tiny creatures.

But here's where you come in: Resist the urge to be a kit-napper! If you stumble upon a litter of kittens, resist the instinct to whisk them away to the shelter. More often than not, these little ones are safe and sound under the watchful eye of their mother. Momma cat knows best, and she's likely out hunting or tending to her brood.

Give her at least 24 hours to return before taking action. If, after this time she hasn't reappeared, or if you suspect the kittens are in distress, don't hesitate to reach out to our Pet Helpline at 412.345.0348.

Remember, kittens should stay with their mothers until they're at least eight weeks old, ensuring they're ready for spaying/neutering and adoption.

When the kittens start to approach 8 weeks of age, our Admissions Team is here to assist you in surrendering the kittens to our care, where they'll be vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and ready for adoption! Reach out to us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 412-345-0348 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/44qyQri

04/03/2024

Please share so this person can be prosecuted! And if you know the owner, speak up!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/sic8jNwcDSP2G8zu/?mibextid=oFDknk

**UPDATE**. The dog has been turned over to the County Dog Warden and taken to a licensed facility that hosts strays. **

Do you know who this dog belongs to? She was found abandoned and tied to a tree at Potters Pond. She does not have a chip nor tags. If you have any information, please contact the McCandless Police at (412) 369-7992.

04/02/2024

Considerations for your pets during the eclipse.

Companion animals are more likely to be concerned about the humans acting differently than they are the eclipse itself. Dogs, cats, birds, etc. do not normally stare at the sun; they heed their natural reflexes not to look (unlike us curious humans). Avoid encouraging your pets to look at the eclips...

03/16/2024

This is an amazing deal! If you're looking for ways develop enrichment, fun learning games and relationship with your dog, check this out!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/hzNdTu1W6kNH4qU8/?mibextid=oFDknk

03/13/2024

I tell clients this ALL THE TIME! Dogs may not understand English, but they DO understand tone and inflection! Praise works!
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/2db7f6qsX1FcP1rP/?mibextid=oFDknk

02/14/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HdUS7kFLtS2YkwK2/?mibextid=oFDknk

01/23/2024

Please read, and share if you're not able to adopt this sweet soul.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=769927198514261&id=100064909621147&mibextid=Nif5oz

01/19/2024

Awh!! You go buddy! Your hoomans wuv you.
https://fb.watch/pGF6wfKMn7/?mibextid=Nif5oz

01/17/2024

I mean....they're pretty on the mark here. 🤣

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/fV6bdpPLLwNxgoLW/?mibextid=xfxF2i

12/20/2023

Meowy Christmas!
https://www.facebook.com/100032379056725/posts/1040377147051577/?mibextid=Nif5oz

12/19/2023

Please share this. You never know who it might get to so these jerks can be caught. The punishment won't be enough, and it won't bring back this bear, but it's better than letting them get away with ignoring the rules. Hopefully this female wasn't pregnant or leaving behind now orphaned (and also dead) cubs.
https://www.facebook.com/100064624184002/posts/737031325127667/?mibextid=Nif5oz

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THEM? The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking to identify these men after a female black bear was illegally killed in Fayette County. wpxi.tv/3tnfhmm

12/12/2023

Willie thinks it's fun to attack people's legs and bite his mama if she tries to get up when he's laying on her. His parents have home help daily, and Willie thinks they're fair game too, so modifying his behavior is essential. Within the past month we have solved the biting problem, and we are on our way to resolving the leg attacks as well. Go Willie!

08/23/2023

This is so sad. Even the best shelter is terrible on a dogs spirit. Lets get this boy a loving forever home.
https://www.newsweek.com/hearts-break-shelter-dog-spends-over-800-days-waiting-new-home-1821297?amp=1&fbclid=IwAR0Tdu8uw9lL-6bzXDjXsLnS0dOXyyOvfMBCQvR8N1b5478BJYrv34JHFj0

Dog Simba has been waiting to find a forever home since 2021.

08/11/2023

Share this far and wide in the hopes that people will learn and understand the science around canine cognition and behavior.
https://fb.watch/mmldlK4005/?mibextid=Nif5oz

08/06/2023

Brief, but a good place to start, and think about beginning to work with a positive reinforcement trainer experienced with aggression.

https://www.facebook.com/100047028075051/posts/802867827957479/?mibextid=Nif5oz

“I can’t believe he snapped at that dog!” “She nipped me. She’s never done that before!” It’s very upsetting when your dog growls, nips or air snaps. There are lots of scenarios that can lead to this behavior, which should be taken seriously, of course. How can you avoid a “perfect storm” of events as this author describes?

https://positively.com/contributors/the-perfect-storm/

08/01/2023

Shelters are so hard on animals souls. Please share if you can't adopt so these babies can find a family to love them.

https://www.facebook.com/100064624426388/posts/671630371667771/?mibextid=Nif5oz

🐾Meet our lovely long-timers!🐾

We have quite a few furry friends looking for their 'pawfect' home!

🐱Harper has been at the shelter for over 183 days - please share to help this 'purrfect' kitty meet her match ❤️

🐶Muffin has been at the shelter for over 115 days - please help this pretty girl find his forever family ❤️

Please share to help our lovely long-timers find their 'furever' homes!

07/18/2023

Super simple enrichment: get a tea or bath towel. Measure out your dog's meal (kibble). Lay the towel out and place some of the kibble on the towel toward one of the ends. Roll the towel over the kibble. Repeat until all the kibble is gone. For added challenge, tie a knot in the towel! Give to your dog and allow them to use their brains and ingenuity to get their meal. Mental enrichment during feeding helps dogs tap into their canine hunting skills, releases calming hormones in the brain, and encourages use of all their senses. Happy dog!! Lots of good videos on YouTube if you're a visual learner.