PET NOTES #21
The
one about pets as members of the family….
Do
you carry photos of your pet in your wallet along with pictures of your
spouse and kids? If you do,
you're not alone! The American
Animal Hospital Association conducts an annual survey to learn about people's
relationships with their pets. These
survey results indicate that pet owners are getting the message that by
caring for their pet's health, including visiting the veterinarian regularly,
they can help ensure that their pet remains a healthy, happy member of
the family for as long as possible.
This survey of 1200 pet owners in the US and Canada brings up some
interesting statistics:
92%
take their pets for regular checkups and vaccinations.
82%
have their pets spayed or neutered.
76%
feed their pets premium pet foods.
68%
provide regular exercise.
97%
provide love and affection as their first priority.
84% refer to themselves as their pet's mom or dad.
63% celebrate their pet's birthday, and
43%
give their pet a wrapped birthday gift.
And
if YOU are looking for a new addition for your family, please check first
with
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
The pet someone else has abandoned could very well become the center
of your life.
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PET
NOTES #23 The
one about planning for your pet’s future without you….
What
would happen to your pet if you were to die unexpectedly?
Although it's not something we like to dwell on, most of us expect
our pets, with their shorter life spans, to pass away before us. We can
give our animals proper nourishment, exercise, health care and love --
but we also need to plan ahead , so that our pets continue
to receive this same standard of care if we're not there to provide it.
In the confusion that accompanies sudden illness, accidents or
death, pets may be overlooked; and
in some cases, pets may not be discovered in a person's home until days
after a tragedy. The Redwood Coast Humane Society urges you to take steps
to prevent this from happening:
·
·
First,
find at least two responsible friends or relatives to serve as temporary
caregivers for your pet. Provide
them with keys to your home and important pet care information regarding
feeding, medications, your veterinarian, and information about the long-term
provisions you've made for your pet.
·
·
Give the
names and contact information for your designated emergency caregivers
to your neighbors, friends and relatives.
·
·
Carry
a card in your wallet which outlines the contingency plans you've made
for your animals.
·
·
Post
notices on your doors and windows that specify
how many and what types of pets you have.
These notices can be invaluable to emergency response personnel
during a fire or other home disaster.
·
·
Finally,
choose a permanent guardian for your pet, someone who is williing
and able to take on the responsibility of caring for your pet on a long-term
basis. Be sure this is a
person you trust implicitly and who will do what is in the best interest
of your pet.
If
you have questions about this topic or any other pet -related matter,
please call the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304. Our interest is your pet's best interest.
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PET
NOTES #25
The
one about recovering lost pets…
It
can happen to anyone: that
momentary loss of control that separates you from your pet. It could be the wind that flings the door wide open when your
arms are full of groceries, or the latch on the gate that doesn't quite
catch, or the rabbit that darts by at just the wrong moment... But now
your best friend is lost and nowhere to be found.
What can you do? The
Redwood Coast Humane Society recommends that you take the following steps
to recover your lost pet:
First,
think about the tags your pet was wearing and call the appropriate agencies.
For example, if your pet was wearing a license, call the animal control
agency that issues the licenses in your area.
If your pet was wearing a vaccination tag, call the veterinarian
that innoculated your animal.
Next,
call the local animal shelter or humane society and describe your missing
pet.
Then,
prepare flyers that include
a complete physical description of your pet.
Information about your pet's name, collar or behavior quirks is
not as important as the specifics of his appearance;
lost and frightened animals may not respond to their names or behave
in typical fashion, and 40%
of pets lost with a collar
are found with no collar or a different one.
Your
flyer should include an accurate photo or line drawing from a breed book.
Write the word REWARD on the top and your phone number on the bottom.
Do not specify the amount of the reward or indicate if you think
your pet may have been stolen. You don't want to encourage pranksters
or scare away someone who recovers a stolen pet.
Hang
your flyer in veterinarian offices, pet shops, grooming shops, schools,
churches, shopping centers, any place with a community bulletin board.
Make
daily visits to your local animal shelter if possible.
Finally,
try not to be discouraged. Petfinders,
a nonprofit lost and found service, can offer additional assistance if
your pet is not located immediately.
Contact them at (800) 666-5678.
Or call RCHS at 884-1304.
Our interest is your pet's best interest.
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PET
NOTES #26
The
one about why cats purr…
Why
do cats purr when you pet them?
According to veterinarian Bruce Fogle, the original function of
purring was to enable a kitten to tell its mother that "all is well."
This often occurs during nursing.
A kitten cannot meow and nurse simultaneously, but it can
purr and nurse at the same time without any problem.
The mother often purrs back, which reassures the kitten as well.
Older
cats may purr when they play or approach other cats, signaling that they
are friendly and want to come closer.
Cats also purr when they are content, such as when they are petted,
again giving the signal that all is well.
Strangely
enough, cats can also purr when they are distressed. Sick and injured cats often purr. It is thought that this is a cat's way of reassuring and calming
itself.
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society welcomes your comments or suggestions on
this or any other pet-related topic.
Please call us at 884-1304 to find out more about our organization:
its goals, services, or how you can become a part of it.
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PET
NOTES #29
The
one about how we’ll take your litter and fix the parents,
too…
Kittens,
kittens and more kittens. Puppies,
puppies, and more puppies. So
cute, so cuddly, and so unexpected !
What are you going to do with that litter?
How can you find homes for all of them?
If
you think that abandoning these babies at the local market or dumping
them by the side of the road is a good idea, please think again.
It's a mistake to think that they can survive on their own, or
that they'll automatically be rescued by a good Samaritan.
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society would like to help. Instead of abandoning your puppies or kittens, please call
us at 884-1304. Our volunteers will help you find homes for each and every one
of your puppies or kittens. There
will be no questions asked and no lectures, but we ask
just one thing in return:
Along
with your litter, we would like to have one or both of the parents,
just long enough to provide a FREE spay or neuter surgery.
After the surgery, your pet will be returned; and you will be free
to enjoy your pet without having to worry about any more unexpected pregnancies.
This
offer is good any time of the year and to anyone who needs assistance
with a litter.
You pay nothing, your kittens or puppies will be placed in safe,
loving homes, and you will have done your part to stop the tragedy of
pet overpopulation.
If
you or anyone you know could benefit from this FREE service, call
the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304 as soon as possible.
That's 884-1304. The Redwood Coast Humane Society. Our interest is your pet's best interest.
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PET
NOTES #30
The
one about holiday hazards and the ornament exchange tree...
The
holiday season is upon us. As
you deck your halls, please be aware that many holiday festivities can
be dangerous to your pet. The
Redwood Coast Humane Society offers the following safety tips for keeping
the season as merry for your pets as it is for your family:
The
holiday tree can be a source of many dangers to our family pets.
Lights can cause electrocution if bitten.
Ribbon and tinsel can cause bowel obstructions.
Ornaments become dangerous foreign bodies if ingested, and wrapping
paper may contain lead, a potential internal toxin.
Monitor your pet's activity around the tree carefully , and put
a childproof gate or fence around it when you're not around.
Poinsettias
contain poisons that can make pets sick if ingested, and the sap can cause
blindness if it gets in their eyes. Mistletoe berries are extremely toxic
if eaten, and as few as one or two can cause death to Rover or Fluffy.
Our
holiday feasts pose another set of dangers to dogs and cats alike.
Chocolate is extremely toxic to our furry friends, and dark chocolate
contains more of the compound that can poison our pets.
Nuts and their shells are hard for pets to digest and shells can
easily get stuck in their throats or digestive tracts.
Chicken, turkey and ham bones can obstruct the stomach and small
intestine. And too many fatty
table scraps can cause pancreatitis.
So feed holiday treats in moderation, don't cover your pet's food
with gravy, and remember to take out the garbage!
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PET
NOTES #31
The
one about our need for new foster homes…
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society needs your help.
We desperately need people to provide foster homes for lost, abandoned
or rescued animals -- particularly puppies and dogs.
We
do not have a shelter facility in this community, so pets in need of temporary
care can only be handled
in two ways: they can be
cared for in the homes of loving volunteer fosterers, or they must be
taken to shelter facilities in other areas.
Our
organization is made up entirely of volunteers, and this tiny group is
currently stretched to the limit.
Our services can only be as extensive as our network of volunteers;
and at this time, we have no place to care for additional animals in need
of temporary shelter.
If
you are an animal lover with some extra space in your heart and your home,
please consider fostering a dog, cat, puppy or kitten while we search
for a permanent, loving home. It
is usually for a short period of time, and it can be the most rewarding
and heart-warming experience you've had in a long time.
Can
you help? If so, please call
the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304 for further information.
RCHS thanks you, but most of all, the animals thank you!
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PET
NOTES #32
The
one about dental care for pets…
Do
you kiss your dog or cat on the lips?
If you don't, is it because you can't stand to get that close to
his mouth? In other words,
does your pet have bad breath? It
could be your fault. Imagine
how your teeth would look and feel if you didn't brush them routinely.
Now imagine what it would be like if you never brushed them at
all!
If
you're not providing your pet with regular dental care, you are
neglecting an important factor in his overall health. Eighty-five percent
of dogs over the age of four and cats over the age of six have periodontal
disease. Many pets suffer
in silence with this painful condition; others show signs of discomfort
while eating, or act depressed.
Bad breath and drooling are the most frequent signs of dental disease.
But
this is not just a cosmetic issue; the bacteria resulting from periodontal
disease can enter the blood stream and weaken the lungs, kidneys, liver
and heart. In fact, it is
the leading cause of heart disease in dogs.
What
can you do to prevent this from happening?
Prevention is the key. Just
like in humans, plaque accumulates on animals' teeth after eating, and
this eventually turns into tartar.
Tartar cannot be removed by brushing, but requires professional
veterinary treatment. This dental procedure leaves your pet's mouth bright,
fresh and feeling great.
Once
that's done, it's up to you to maintain your pet's pearly whites through
regular brushing. Be sure
to use only a special veterinary toothbrush and toothpaste.
It doesn't take long for Muffy and Fido to get used to having their
teeth brushed, and the few minutes it takes each week can help prevent
potentially serious problems later on.
If
you have questions about this, or any other pet-related issue, please
call the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
Our interest is your pet's best interest.
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PET
NOTES #33
The
one about cold weather precautions for pets…
Winter
weather has reached the South Coast, and the season's cold temperatures
can pose unique hazards to our animals' health.
If you are a pet owner or have pets in your neighborhood, The Redwood
Coast Humane Society urges you to take special note of the following:
First,
be aware that roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb
onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle
and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.
Second,
you should know that antifreeze is deadly to dogs and cats.
Even a very small amount of the sweet-tasting ethylene glycol found
in conventional antifreezes can cause lethal liver damage if ingested.
You can make life a little safer for your animals by switching
to an antifreeze based on propylene glycol, but even these substances
are not completely harmless. Whatever
you use, be sure to mop up all spills.
Finally,
know that your pets -- just
as you -- are more comfortable inside during the winter months. But if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided
with an insulated or heated shelter.
Their homes should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture
accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out wind, sleet, or
hail. Water sources must
be kept warm enough so they don't freeze; thermal units designed specifically
for this purpose are readily available.
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society
welcomes your comments or questions about these or any other pet-related
issues. Please call us at
884-1304 for further information about our activities.
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PET
NOTES #36
The
one about spaying and neutering myths …
Here's
a little quiz brought to you by the Redwood Coast Humane Society.
Can you tell whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE?
1.
Spaying
or neutering will make my pet fat. . . . . .
This statement is FALSE.
Spayed and neutered animals aren't any fatter or lazier than their
intact owners. It's as true
for pets as it is for their people: too much food and not enough exercise
results in obesity.
2.
Neutering
takes away "guard dog" instincts. . . . . . This is NOT TRUE. Dogs remain
protective of their territory regardless of sterilization.
Your dog's basic instincts and personality remain unchanged; PROPER
TRAINING is the key to shaping your dog's behavior so that he behaves
as you'd like him to.
3.
Females
shouldn't be spayed until after their first litter. . . . .
This is
absolutely FALSE! It is healthier
for her NOT to have a litter--or even her first heat cycle--before being
spayed. Mammary tumors and cancers of the reproductive organs are less
likely in females that have been spayed early in life. When it comes to
spaying, the earlier the better.
4.
I will
find good homes for my puppies or kittens. . . . . REALLY GOOD homes are hard
to find, and 15-25 million American dogs and cats are put to death
every year due to pet overpopulation.
For every puppy or kitten placed from your litter, another will
be killed because there was no home available.
5.
Neutering
is painful for animals. . . . .
This too, is false.
Neutering is a safe and relatively painless operation performed
by a licensed veterinarian. Most
pets recover quickly, within about 24 hours.
Think
for a minute... This one
simple procedure can give you a happier, healthier pet. YOU can be part of the solution and help prevent the needless
loss of animals' lives. If
your dog or cat is at least six months of age, don't hesitate! The Redwood Coast Humane Society is offering FREE
spay and neuter surgeries during the month of February. Please call us at 884 -1304 for details.
Thank you.
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PET
NOTES #38
The one about
RCHS tee-shirts and sweatshirts for sale …
Does
everything in your closet seem tired and worn out?
Do your spirits need a lift?
Then listen carefully, because the Redwood Coast Humane Society
can help! Put some pizzazz
into your wardrobe -- and your life -- with our new collection of tee-shirts
and sweatshirts!
Both come in a variety of bright, cheerful colors and feature
our adorable mascots, Patch the dog and Oliver the cat.
Tee-shirts cost $10 for kids’ sizes and $15 for adults’.
Sweatshirts are $25 and come in adult sizes only.
At these prices, you can afford to outfit your whole family!
The work of the Redwood Coast Humane Society is done entirely
by volunteers, and all proceeds from the sale of these items go directly
toward helping our coastal kitties and canines. RCHS provides temporary
foster care for unwanted pets that are surrendered, abandoned, or rescued,
with the goal of placing all of our animals in permanent, loving homes.
We provide financial assistance for those who cannot afford to
spay or neuter their pets. We
act as a clearinghouse for a variety of pet-related issues, and sponsor
educational workshops and special events that promote responsible pet
ownership.
If you want to see what the shirts look like, check out
the Redwood Coast Humane Society bulletin board at the Sundstrom Mall
in Gualala. Or call 884-1304
for more information about how to place an order.
Your new RCHS shirt will get you noticed:
it’s a reflection of your good taste and caring toward the
pets of the Redwood Coast. So
call 884-1304 today to place your order. The Redwood Coast Humane Society: our interest is your pet’s best interest.
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PET
NOTES #39
The
one about cat trivia …
If you’re a cat-lover, you probably think you
know an awful lot about your feline friend.
But you may not know everything!
Here are a few little-known bits of “Cat
Trivia,” courtesy of the Redwood Coast Humane Society.
Did you know…?
·
· A
cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
·
· Cats’
eyes have a layer of extra reflecting cells that absorb light.
This allows them to see about six times better than a human at
night.
·
· Adult
cats with no health problems are in deep sleep 15% of their lives.
They are in light sleep 50% of the time.
·
· Cats
purr at about 26 cycles per second, the same frequency as an idling diesel
engine.
·
· In
1987, cats overtook dogs as the #1 pet in America.
And if you’re looking for that special cat to
take over your life, please call the Redwood Coast Humane
Society. Whether you’re
looking for a youngster or an adult, you’re sure to find a purrr-fect
companion in our collection of adoptable cats and kittens.
For further information, call RCHS at 884-1304. That’s 884-1304.
The pet someone else has abandoned could very well become the center of
your life. Thank you.
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PET
NOTES #40
The
one about dog smiles …
Does your dog greet you at the door with a smile?
All facial expressions mirror a dog’s motivation.
Through the various behavior patterns we call “dog language,”
dogs are able to inform each other very accurately of their intentions
and desires.
But smiling behavior in dogs is peculiar because it
is a copy of a human smile -- dogs use it toward
humans, but never to other dogs.
So what does your dog’s smile mean?
Watch your dog for these signs of a smile:
·
· A
slight crease at the corners of a dog’s mouth often occurs when he’s
being petted, rubbed or touched.
·
· A
“submissive grin” occurs in some dogs when an owner comes back
after an extended period away, or even if the dog is afraid he is going
to be disciplined. This expression
is thought to be a sign of appeasement.
·
· Panting
lightly with the mouth wide open is said to indicate a calm mood.
Careful observation of your dog’s behavior can
give you clues as to what each of his facial expressions means.
And when your dog is smiling, the whole world smiles with him.
So be sure to smile back!
And if you are looking for a special
dog to fill your world with smiles, please consider adopting from The
Redwood Coast Humane Society. The
pet someone else has abandoned could very well become the center of your
life. For more information about the dogs and puppies currently available,
call 884-1304. That’s
884-1304. Thank you.
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