September 20, 2019 Issue

Page 10—Seniors Today—September 20, 2019
Humane Society Update
They Play, They Can Get Hurt
S etting The Standard
For Excellence In Eldercare
Since 1995
Low Hourly Minimums • Domestic & Custodial Care
LifeLine Providers • Live-In Care Our Specialty
“Ask Us For References”
386-676-6375
1-800-923-6738
Serving Volusia
& Flagler Counties
www.AffordableHomeCare.org
Totally Insured & Bonded • Florida License #HCS 5005
Magnolia
Gardens
An Apartment Community Designed Especially for the
Senior Citizen 62 Years Of Age and Older.
Rent is based on income.
Applications will be accepted in person at
Magnolia Gardens Apartments
1031 4th Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32117
Call today for more information
and to schedule your
appointment for placing an application
for housing
Monday–Friday, 9 A.M.-3 P.M.
(386) 255-9113
1 Bedroom Apartments
Magnolia Gardens is a beautiful community that offers 88 one
bedroom apartments. The apartments have carpet, stove,
refrigerator, water, trash removal, air conditioning,
pest control, and maintenance. Common areas include
coin–op laundry, inside mailboxes, attractively
decorated community room, and lobbies.
by Barry KuKes
Have you ever heard your dog
suddenly yelp? One second they
are perfectly fine and then they
let out a loud yelp. Of course,
the first thing the owner asks is, ‘what happened
or what did you do?’ Too bad dogs
can’t talk to tell us what is hurting them.
We need to become an exploratory investigator
to determine the cause of the pain.
Dogs love chasing each other, playing
fetch, or racing around at full speed, twisting
and turning as they run. Play is a good way
for dogs to get rid of excess energy, but it’s
also how they can pick up an injury. Some of
the most common injuries can sideline your
pet, or at least slow them down a bit.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissues are the
tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Common
soft tissue injuries are sprains and strains.
Quick turns or stops, leaping, or jumping off
or over something can pull a muscle, stretch
a tendon, or tear a ligament. Just jumping off
the couch or bed can cause an injury. We may
think of dogs as being athletic and surefooted,
but accidents happen in the blink of
an eye. Whenever your dog is racing around
the yard chasing a ball or another dog, or
training for a dog sport, there’s always the
potential for a soft tissue injury.
If you notice your pet limping, that’s a
sure sign something is wrong. It could be
nothing more than a rock caught between
his toes or paw pads, but it could also be a
soft tissue injury. If you’ve checked his feet
and don’t find any cuts or anything else that
could be causing him to limp, it’s best to
have your vet check him out. Many strains
and sprains are minor and can be cared for
by limiting activity, but some can be serious
and require medical attention.
A cut is called a laceration, and scrapes
are abrasions. Lacerations are caused by
sharp objects like broken glass, jagged metal
edges, a dog’s toenails, or anything that can
cut through the skin or flesh. Lacerations can
have a clean and neat edge or be jagged and
dirty, depending on what caused the injury.
Abrasions are caused by sliding on or being
pulled on a rough surface like cement, rocks,
or even sand. Bite wounds are obviously
caused by other dogs, cats, or wild animals.
Eye Injuries: Dogs can’t put up their
paws to protect the eyes like we can, and it’s
not uncommon for them to get sand or dirt
in their eye. Canines that ride in the bed of
a truck or stick their head out the car window
risk getting bugs or small rocks blown
into their eyes. Dogs can get a scratch on
the cornea from fighting or playing with
another dog or cat, or accidentally scratch
their eye pawing at it, or running through
high grass, weeds, or brush. If you notice a
change in your dog’s eyes such as redness,
one pupil larger than the other one, excessive
tearing, squinting, rapid blinking, inflammation,
or swelling, call your vet.
Mouth Injuries: Dog owners unknowingly
contribute to mouth injuries by encouraging
a dog to play with or chew on sticks.
Sticks can splinter and be swallowed, become
embedded in the mouth, or the stick can be
rammed into the back of the mouth when
the dog is running. Uncooked bones can get
lodged in the throat, caught on a tooth, or
splinter. Most injuries happen during fights
or when licking sharp objects like can lids
which cut their tongue. Dogs that chase bees
or other stinging insects are at risk of being
stung, and snake bites can occur on the mouth
or other areas of the body. Many snakes in
Florida are poisonous and can be fatal to a
dog, so watch your dog when they are out and
about. As always, adopt, don’t shop.
Barry KuKes is the Community Outreach
Director for the Halifax Humane Society.
You can reach Barry at 386.274.4703, ext.
320, or BarryK@halifaxhumanesociety.org
Bishop is a 9 year old, Terrier, American
Stafford/ Mix. He will be your
devoted companion.
Byron is a 6 year old, Terrier, American
Stafford/ Mix. He will be your
couch buddy.
Maggie is a 1 year old,
Domestic Shorthair/mix. She just wants
someone to rub against and love.
Pooh Bear is a 3 month old,
Domestic Shorthair/mix. She just will
hang on your every word.
For information regarding adoption of
these, or any of the other ador able animals
at The Halifax Hu mane Society, please visit
our shelter located at 2364 W. LPGA Blvd.,
Daytona Beach.