Pet Food Drive- VCA Animal Hospital

Pet Food Drive- VCA Animal Hospital 

 VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital proudly supports Meals on Wheels South Florida, Meals for Companion Pets Program as they celebrate 20 years of providing pet food to homebound and disabled seniors in Broward County.  Supported 100% by donation, Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets delivers over 800 lbs of pet food to the southern portion of Broward County alone. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital’s annual pet food drive deposits food into their food bank as well as provides monetary donations for replenishment throughout the year.

Now in its 8^th year, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and the Meals for Companion Pets Program have enjoyed the partnership and the grass-roots fundraising efforts of our local businesses, corporate partners and our community to raise thousands of pounds of food during this drive.

How can you help? Donations of canned & dry food, for cats & dogs made to VCA Hollywood from Nov.9th- Dec. 14th, will be deposited into the Meals for Companion Pets food bank for monthly distribution to senior pet owners.  

When?  November 9th- December 14, 2019

7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday

Where?

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

2864 Hollywood Boulevard,

Hollywood, Florida 33020

954.920.3556

(Drop off sites are located in both the main hospital and annex building)

HOW? Deliver donations of canned, dry or dehydrated food for cats or dogs to VCA Hollywood.  Then visit Meals on Wheels South Florida to learn more about their Meals for Companion Pets Program and how you can help further. https://www.bmow.org/programs/companionpetprogram/

“Our partnership with Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets was born out of a desire to give back to our community. Now 8 year later, Meals on Wheels has become a part of the identity of VCA Hollywood and it is a source of great pride for all of our staff and doctors who value first and foremost, the bond between human and pet.”

-Linda Ream, Communications Coordinator-VCA Hollywood

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. Founded in 1947, serving S. Florida for over 70 years, we are committed to our community. We believe that giving back to the people that supports us is paramount. For more information, please visit www.vcahollywood.com or call 954.920.3556.

Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets (BMOW) Founded in 1999, the Meals for Companion Pets Program is a volunteer-driven effort providing pet food to homebound and disabled seniors in Broward County. Research shows that seniors with pets are less likely to exhibit depression, report feelings of loneliness and experience illness. But taking care of a pet – feeding, grooming and veterinary care – can be financially and physically burdensome to seniors. More often than not, a devoted animal lover with limited access to food will feed their hungry pet before they feed themselves. Pet food is provided through the generosity of local donors and grants and is delivered on the third Saturday of each month. Volunteers are always needed on the third Saturday of the month to pack & deliver food.

Over the last 8 years VCA Hollywood has delivered over 24,000 lbs of food and over $6500 to Meals on Wheels during this Pet Food Drive.

Detailed result information can be seen on our blog at https://hollywoodanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2018/12/for-meals-on-wheels-food-drive-for-pets.html

 

   

News You Can Use- Toad Toxicity: The frog you should never kiss!

The frog you should never kiss!

The Bufo toad (Bufo marinus) also known as marine toad, giant toad, or cane toad is commonly found in the south Florida area. These toads are brown to greyish-brown in color with black or white spots. They are often seen at dusk, dawn, and during the night. Bufo toads have glands on the back of their heads, called the parotid glands that secrete a whitish liquid. This secretion is highly toxic to dogs, cats and other animals. This toxin may also cause skin irritation in humans.

Dogs are commonly exposed by biting or licking the Bufo toad. Once exposed the toxin is rapidly absorbed through the mucous membranes (gums), eyes, open wounds, or gastrointestinal tract. The toxin reaches the bloodstream and targets the heart, blood vessels and nervous system.

   

Clinical signs you may see are brick-red mucous membranes (gums), foamy salivation, difficulty breathing, staggering and stumbling, vomiting, convulsions or seizures and irregular heartbeat. There is no antidote for Bufo toad poisoning so immediate treatment is critical.

Immediately rinse out your pet’s mouth with a soaking wet wash cloth several times to remove the toxin from the mouth. Please do not use a hose to rinse the mouth as water can accidentally be inhaled into the lungs leading to aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life –threatening condition. After rinsing your pet’s mouth, proceed to the nearest veterinary clinic or emergency clinic as the toxin acts quickly.  

In hospital treatment may consist of intravenous fluids and medications to counteract the seizure activity and cardiac abnormalities. Depending on the degree of symptoms your pet may have to be hospitalized for several days following exposure.

Possible prevention of Bufo toad poisoning includes walking your pet on a leash during times when toads are commonly seen. Bowls of pet food and water kept outside should be picked up at night as they have the potential to attract toads to the area. 

Dr. Amanda Causey
https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/amanda-causey