PET NOTES #62
The one about preventing
pets from being hit by cars…
One
of the most common emergencies seen by veterinarians is a dog that has
been hit by a car. Even the
best-behaved pet can be lured into the street by a fast-moving rabbit
or other distraction. And
no matter how big your dog is, he’s no match for a 4,000 lb. vehicle.
It
is our responsibility, as pet owners, to protect our animals from the
many dangers that exist in the environment outside our homes.
There are a number of options for keeping your dog safely confined
to your property. A volunteer
from the Redwood Coast Humane Society would be happy to help you choose
the best solution for you and your pet. Please call us at 884-1304.
Our interest is your pet’s best interest.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET
NOTES #64 The one about the importance of
training your new puppy…
How
important is dog training? Consider this:
Puppies
come with a whole set of built-in behaviors, and most are objectionable
to humans. They urinate and defecate when the urge strikes.
They chew or eat anything that fits in their mouths. They whine,
cry and bark for attention. They jump up when they’re
excited, and they growl or bite when scared.
These
are NORMAL behaviors for puppies and untrained adult dogs. So, if
we want our canine companions to learn the rules for living with humans,
it’s up to US to teach them.
Of
all the dogs euthanized in animal shelters each year, the majority are
given up due to behavior problems. Don’t let your dog be a
statistic. Call the Redwood Coast Humane Society to learn more about dog
training. Our number is 884-1304.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET
NOTES #65 The one about signs of cancer in pets…
A
diagnosis of cancer does not need to be the immediate end of your pet’s
life. But early detection is critical if treatment is to preserve your
pet’s quality of life for the longest time possible. Here are
the ten most common signs of cancer in small animals:
Abnormal swellings
that persist or continue to grow
· Sores that do not
heal
· Weight loss
· Loss of appetite
· Bleeding or discharge
from any body opening
· Offensive odor
· Difficulty eating
or swallowing
· Hesitation to exercise
or loss of stamina
· Persistent lameness
or stiffness
· Difficulty breathing,
urinating, or defecating
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society wants you to stay informed about your pet’s
health. Our interest is your pet’s best interest.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET
NOTES #66 The one about obesity in pets…
Is
your pet too fat? Obesity is as much a problem for our animals as
it is for us – and pets that carry excess weight may suffer from
diabetes, heart, respiratory, liver, muscle, joint and tendon problems,
just like their overweight owners.
Before
taking steps to reduce your pet’s weight, have your veterinarian
perform a thorough physical exam, including blood tests. If all
tests are normal, there are three things you can do to assure gradual,
safe weight loss:
1.
Increase your pet’s exercise and activity.
2. Reduce the amount of calories your pet
eats. Limit treats. Your vet may prescribe a special
diet.
3. Change your feeding schedule. Feed
smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
For
further information, please call the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
Our interest is your pet’s best interest.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET
NOTES #68 The spay/neuter one with attitude…
Hey
you! Your pet hasn’t been
spayed or neutered! So, what’s your excuse?
If
you think spaying will make her fat, it won’t. Too much food
and not enough exercise does that.
If
you want him to be a better guard dog, think again. The natural
instinct to protect your family stays intact – even if he isn’t!
If you think you can make big bucks
selling purebreds, stop fooling yourself!
Unless your pet’s a champion, you’ll spend as much as
you make raising the litter.
If you want your kids to experience
the miracle of birth, don’t forget to explain that 15-25 million
pets are put to death each year.
If you think spay and neuter surgeries
cost too much, you're WRONG. Redwood Coast
Humane Society can arrange to have the job done for
free. Yeah,
you heard it right: FREE!
Call the Redwood Coast Humane Society
at 884-1304 … and stop making excuses!
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET NOTES # 70
A Pet's Bill of Rights
In case you are thinking of adopting a pet, this is a reminder of
the responsibilities we have as caregivers for the new addition to our
households.
As your pets we have the right to be:
1. real members of the
family; talk to us.
2. happy with new toys
and fun games.
3. exercised to keep
fit.
4. appreciated even
when we get too silly or hyper.
5. healthy and taken
to see the vet regularly.
6. fed a good diet;
we don't always choose the right food.
7. accepted even when
we don't learn to do things just right.
8. taught proper skills
so that we are good companions for others.
9. guided and corrected
based on understanding and compassion rather than abuse.
10. offered a life of
dignity and to die with dignity when the time comes.
Adapted from PetEducation.com
If you are looking for a pet, please check first with The Redwood
Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
Pet Notes #71
Why Your
Dog or Cat Needs a Bed
The rains have finally come and
it's cold outside, especially on these dark fall nights.
We need our warmth more than ever
now; beds are very welcome as a haven.
While most of us don't often think
of our bed as a cherished possession, it is one of the last pieces of
furniture we would give up (ask any teenager about that one when an unexpected
guest appears and needs one!).
A good bed provides us with insulation,
support for our backs and joints, warmth and a feeling of security.
And beds are also a necessity for
our pets, for they have the same needs of comfort and support that we
do.
Having beds for our pets gives us
the added advantage of helping to control the spread of dander, dirt,
and hair by concentrating it on one easy-to-clean location.
Outside animals need a bed too.
Do some research and find the bed
that suits your animal's individual needs.
For more information call the Redwood
Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET NOTES #74
The one about pet safety during
the holidays
As you deck the halls with boughs
of poinsettias and mistletoe be mindful of the fact that they are extremely
poisonous to pets and other living things.
The Redwood Coast Humane Society asks you to keep them away from
your household animals and be aware that chocolate, nuts, and bones of
all kinds also pose a potential health hazard to your furry friends. It’s
best to reward pets with treats specifically meant for their enjoyment.
One other note ... there has
been a recall of a popular dog chew product called Nylabone because it’s
made of a polymer which, when ingested, can get stuck in an animal’s
intestinal tract and cause serious injury or death.
If you have any of these, please dispose of them to avoid pet problems.
It’s okay to feed your pets
holiday treats but in moderation; we all know the personal discomfort
that results from too much of a good thing.
Fa La La La La...La La La La!
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET NOTES #75 The
One About The Treat Recipe...
Does your gift list include showing gratitude to your canine friends?
Why not try baking some doggie treats to reward your canine
companions and friends! The following recipe is courtesy of the
Redwood Coast Humane Society and guaranteed to satisfy even the most picky
of pets. "Bone A pet eat!"
Sunshine Liver Brownies:
(original recipe by Bonnie Goodfriend)
3
to 3 1/2 lbs of liver, beef or chicken
1
cup whole wheat flour
2
cups white flour
1/2
cup corn meal
4.25
oz jar fresh minced or crushed garlic
1
med shaker of grated parmesan cheese
optional
-- a half dozen scented candles
Preheat
oven to 350 degrees.
Spray
cookie sheet with cooking spray
(note:
my processor isn't huge, so I did 1/2 the ingredients at a time, then
mixed the two halves in a large bowl)
Process
liver and garlic in food processor or blender until pureed
Add
the rest of the ingredients to processor and mix thoroughly…
Spread
evenly onto cookie sheet (my mix was about the consistency of cake batter)
Light
candles, open windows, and…
Bake
for about 30 min, then turn the oven off but leave the brownies inside
until they are cool.
Have a look at http://members.home.net/mstraus/treatref.html
This
page has bunches of treat recipes, ideas for kong stuffing, and samples
for a raw food diet for dogs as well as information on commercial dog
food.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET NOTES #76 The One About A Gift For Dog Lovers...
Forget someone on your gift list, or is there a dog lover you would like
to remember with a meaningful present? Maybe someone who helps you
by petsitting in your absence? Here is the perfect way to show them
you care: Get them a book loaded with doggy details and a mystery
thriller such as "Gone To the Dogs" by author Susan Conant.
All of her stories include canine characters and are published by
Bantam Books.
These books get a 5 Woof rating (woof, woof...woof, woof, woof!).
This message is brought to you by the Redwood Coast Humane Society
which can be reached at 884-1304.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET NOTES #78 The One About Therapets...
A recent news article describes how therapy dogs have helped those
who suffered great losses in the September 11 attack in New York by doing
what most dogs do best, conveying unconditional love and trust to even
a stranger in need. These canine sources of comfort are known
in the mental health profession as "therapets".
New York has obtained trained pets and their owners to "be there"
for people returning to the attack scene and simply empathizing with those
traumatized by the serious losses of that day.
We can thank the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
for their daily provision of therapets in New York and in other places
of crisis.
To learn more about how to obtain your own dear pet, please call the Redwood
Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET NOTES #79 The One About Pet Adoption...
House seem too quiet? Need someone to love? Want someone
to love you too? If you are seriously ready for that kind of responsibility
and, yes, joy maybe you need to get a warm and fuzzy pet in your life!
The Redwood Coast Humane Society may have just the furry friend for you!
Take a look at our pictures of available companions on the bulletin board
at the Sunstrom Mall, in copies of the ICO, and on our website at:
www.redwoodcoasthumane.org
Start adding a little shared fun in your life by inviting a sweet pet
into your heart and home. For more information please call
us at 884-1304.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
S
PET
NOTES #80 The one about choosing a best friend...
The Redwood Coast Humane Society wants to remind you that cats and
dogs make excellent pals for life! If you are one of those who is
thinking of adopting a pet, remember that we have some of the most nurtured
adoptable puppies, kittens, cats and dogs available because we foster
animals in our own homes and offer them for you to adopt when they are
ready to move on.
One of our animals could be your best friend. When you decide to
bring a pet into your life, call the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304
and take home a friend who will love you forever.
Return
to Pet Notes Index
Return
to RCHS Home Page
PET NOTES #83 The one about the Petfinder web site...
If you are thinking abut looking for a pet to adopt, there is a web
site that could help you with your search. The Redwood Coast Humane
Society is also listed as a resource for prospective pets at www.petfinder.com
which is affiliated with the ASPCA and has many sources listed for possible
pet adoptions.
If you would like more information about using the Petfinder website or
about us, please contact the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
More
Pet Notes
Back
to Pet Notes Index
Home
|
