Ask the Expert!
Have a pet-related question? Ask us here!
Having a pet is a life-changing experience, and it brings added responsibility to your life. It's a good idea to read, ask questions and stay up to date on pet-related news so that you are well-informed about the care of your pet. If you haven't done so already, sign up for our free e-newsletter and create a profile here. Check our website frequently for pet news, and make sure to visit our pet behavior pages.
Ask the Expert
"Ask the Expert" is our free service where we answer your pet-related questions. From training to preventative medicine, we can point you in the right directon. Email us HERE with your questions. And check out the most frequently asked questions and answers below.
**Disclaimer: Our advice is just that: advice, and it should be a supplement to your research. Please consult your veterinarian or behaviorist professional for a more in-depth anaylsis. The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is not responsible for any outcomes associated with the advice given herein.
For more help with pet behavioral issues, please contact Dr. Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. Visit her website here or email her directly.
Rabies Alert!
With a recent case of rabies in Wellington, it's important to remain vigilant in your pet's vaccinations. For the full Palm Beach Post article, click here.
It's Baby Bird Season!
Although the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League does not routinely accept birds at our shelter, we have some helpful hints for the care of wild birds below. 
I found a baby bird. What do I do?
The best thing you can do for a baby that has fallen from its nest is to put it right back in. Contrary to popular belief, the parents will not abandon a baby because it smells like human hands. (In fact, most birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell.) They will however eject babies that are diseased so as not to infect the rest of the brood. If you keep putting a baby in and it keeps getting pushed out, it is likely that the parents recognize that something is amiss with it.
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What do I do with a nest that blew out of my tree?
Get out your ladder and place the nest, babies inside, back up where it was. If necessary, place the nest in a small box and affix the box to the tree. If you cannot reach the original nest site, get as close as you can. More often than not, the parents will return and continue to care for the young. As the babies develop and begin stretching their wings, some fall from the nest as they are learning to fly. If possible, leave them alone. The parents will continue to feed and defend their little dare-devil until flight is achieved. If there are cats or other dangers, you will have to step in and place the bird back up in a tree or out of harms’ way.
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What do I do with an injured or orphaned baby bird?
Get help! Baby birds need special care and sometimes round the clock feeding. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation facility, see the contact list below. Remember that these facilities are staffed with volunteers and are often filled to capacity during the spring baby bird season. Be prepared to deliver songbird patients to the facility, as most do not have the resources to make house calls. If you find an injured or orphaned bird of prey, you must have someone assist you with their rescue as you may become injured yourself if you handle them improperly. Consider donating cash or supplies to the organization assisting you. All usually need paper towels, soap, bleach, bath towels of various sizes and blankets.
Animal Health
Panleukopenia: What You Need to Know
Panleukopenia is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cats, kittens, raccoons, and mink. The panleukopenia virus tends to invade cells which are rapidly growing such as those of the digestive system, bone marrow (which makes blood cells), lymph tissue, and developing nervous system. This explains the common symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, low white blood cell count, and seizures. A vaccine is available to protect against the disease.
How is panleukopenia prevented and controlled?
Vaccination of kittens at regular intervals is the most important way to protect cats from acquiring a panleukopenia virus infection. Killed virus vaccines may be administered to pregnant cats or kittens less than 4 weeks of age if exposure to the panleukopenia virus is likely (e.g., in a humane shelter). The disadvantage to these vaccines is that the cat is not really protected until 3 to 7 days after the second vaccination.
The environment of cats with panleukopenia should be considered contaminated with the virus. A 1:32 dilution of household bleach should be used to disinfect floors, dishes, litter boxes, cages, and other items. Remember that this virus can last for years in the environment. A kitten should not be introduced into a cattery or household unless he has received his series of vaccinations.