"Head
Collars" for strong-willed dogs.
You've
heard it said that "dogs are a man's -- or woman's -- best friend."
How does your dog measure up?
Has your cute little puppy grown into a devoted companion that's
eager to please? Or are you
embarrassed and frustrated by an animal that has grown too big and strong-willed
to control? Maybe you've
tried choke chains or prong collars, and still your dog barks,
lunges and drags you after dogs, cars and wildlife.
Maybe you've given up trying and relegated Fido to the back yard
for life.
Unfortunately,
behavior problems are the main reason people surrender their pets to shelters.
Statistics show that bad behavior kills more dogs than distemper,
heartworm and all other infectious diseases combined.
The
Mendocino Coast Humane Society would like to suggest a gentler alternative:
the headcollar. Similar in
appearance to a horse's halter, this device may look like a muzzle to
the casual onlooker. But
it works with the dog's own natural instincts to calm him and put you
in control. It's a simple, humane and effective way to strengthen the human-animal
bond, highly recommended by veterinarians and dog trainers alike.
The
headcollar has been successfully used with MCHS foster dogs and recent
adoptees. You'll see service
dogs for the handicapped and seeing-eye dogs wearing them.
Because
they're different from traditional training collars, you may need some
instruction in how to use the headcollar.
But once you and your dog get used to it, you'll be amazed at the
difference it makes in your life.
Two
major companies manufacture headcollars, and the Humane Society can help
you locate sources for either one.
Please call 884-1304 and a South Coast volunteer will be happy
to assist you. Thank
you!
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Using
human products for/on pets.
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society would like to remind you that dogs and cats
are not humans with four legs. Now, this may seem obvious; but the fact is, many people don't think twice about reaching
into their own medicine cabinets for their pet's health and grooming needs.
Unfortunately, many common products -- from pain relievers to shampoos
-- can produce adverse reactions in our family pets. Here are some examples:
Acetaminophen,
the ingredient in Tylenol, causes a life-threatening condition which affects
the red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. One tablet given to a cat
can be deadly. Dogs may also react to this drug.
Other
pain relievers -- ibuprofen, naprosyn and ketoprofen -- can cause severe
stomach ulcerations in dogs. Aspirin,
too, must be used with care, and you should consult with your veterinarian
to determine proper dosages.
Hydrogen
peroxide and alcohol should not be used to clean an animal's ears.
Both can cause irritation.
If there is a break in the inside lining or eardrum, use of
hydrogen peroxide can result in irreversible nerve damage.
The
pH of human hair differs greatly from our pets' coats and requires the
use of different products. The
fragrance and detergent in our favorite shampoo and conditioner can cause
severe allergic reactions in our non-human friends.
And, stick to toothpastes made specifically for animals, as the
human variety can make your dog or cat salivate terribly.
Please
prevent a potential disaster and check with your veterinarian anytime
you're tempted to use an over-the-counter product on your pet.
Thank-you from the South Coast Branch of the Mendocino Humane Society.
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Cats' hairballs
or furballs.
Calling
all cat lovers: How do you handle hairballs?
Hairballs,
also known as "furballs" are the result of your cat's normal
cleaning routine. Since cats
spend a lot of time licking themselves, they swallow a lot of hair. Generally, the hair passes through the cat's digestive system
and ends up in your litter box.
But sometimes the hair collects in the cat's stomach and forms
a dense ball that cannot be passed.
When this happens, the cat vomits the hairball.
Occasional
hairballs are normal. In fact it's the most common reason cats spit up.
Problems arise, however, if large amounts of hair block the intestinal
tract; this makes it impossible
for the cat to either vomit or eliminate.
Retching, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite or a swollen
abdomen are all signs that your cat may be impacted by a hairball. See your veterinarian immediately if you suspect this to be
the case.
Commercial
products are available that lubricate the cat's digestive tract and help
the hair pass more readily. High-fiber
diets may also help move excess hair through your cat's system.
It's always best to check with your vet before making changes in
your pet's diet.
Finally,
if you'd like the feel of some feline fur to your life,
remember to check with the South Branch of the Mendocino Coast Humane
Society at 884-1304. We currently
have one kitten and six cats available for adoption and we're waiting
for your call. Thank-you!
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Why do dogs eat grass?
Why
do dogs eat grass? There
are a number of reasons for this behavior.
The
simplest explanation is that they just like it! Fresh, green grass is a delicacy and some dogs have been known
to search out a particular species of grass or plant material just because
it tastes good.
In
reality, grass is a normal part of the wild dog's diet.
Since wolves and foxes eat all of an animal when they catch
it, they end up consuming a lot of vegetation in the intestines of their
plant-eating prey. Today's domesticated dog may instinctively eat grass to get
the same active, live nutrients enjoyed by its healthy and strong ancestors
in the wild.
Many
times dogs will vomit after eating grass.
Do they do eat grass to make them sick or do they get sick because
they ate grass? Nobody knows
for sure, but it's quite possible that dogs purposely seek out long-stemmed
blades of grass when they feel the need for a laxative or an emetic.
It's the sharp, microscopic barbs that
cause internal agitation and vomiting.
If
your dog seems to graze excessively, your vet may want to check for parasites
or an intestinal infection. But
if everything checks out okay, you can relax, knowing that your canine
companion is just being a normal dog!
And
for information about the wonderful dogs (and cats) available from the
Redwood Coast Humane Society please call us at 884-1304.
Thank you!
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Vacation
planning for your pets.
Springtime along the South Coast brings visitors from far and near, but
if you're a local resident you may yearn to travel anyplace else but here!
If you're a pet owner, the Redwood Coast Humane Society encourages
you to plan your vacation well in advance -- both for the animal's well-being
and for your own peace of mind. Kennels fill up quickly during the summer
months, so if you need to board your pet while you're gone, be sure to
arrange your pet's accommodations before you confirm your travel
itinerary.
If
you just can't bear to leave Rover behind, the American Kennel Club recommends
a bimonthly newsletter called "DogGone" for dog owners to find
pet-friendly vacation spots. "DogGone"
offers practical advice on car and air travel, and provides subscribers
with a database of over 8,500 pet-friendly vacation destinations.
For more information, write to DogGone, PO Box 651155, Vero Beach,
Florida, 32965-1155. Happy
trails to you and your pet!
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"Skunk-Be-Gone" recipe.
Attention all pet owners:
you may not be a gourmet chef, but the following recipe is one
you'll want to save for a very special occasion.
It calls for only three ingredients which can be stored in your
pantry, and it's quick and easy to prepare.
So grab a pencil, because what you're about to hear may be as close
to a magic potion as you'll come across in your pet-loving lifetime.
It takes away the smell when your pet has been "skunked,"
and it works better than ANY remedy you may have tried in the past.
Here's
the recipe for Skunk-Be-Gone:
Combine
one quart of three-percent hydrogen peroxide -- which you can get at any
drugstore -- with one-quarter cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid
Ivory soap. Apply this mixture
immediately to your smelly pet and then rinse thoroughly with tap water.
However,
there is one catch and so please listen carefully. You can NOT make this up ahead of time.
Mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda quickly creates a lot
of oxygen, and this concoction will EXPLODE in a closed container.
That's
why Paul Krebaum -- the chemist who developed it -- hasn't become rich
from bottling it. But he'll
have the eternal gratitude of pet-lovers and pets everywhere.
The
Redwood Coast Humane Society welcomes your comments or suggestions.
You can reach us at 884-1304.
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How
to avoid being bitten
by a dog.
An
estimated 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each
year, and children are the most common victims of severe dog bites.
National Dog Bite Prevention Week, held May 21-27, is a national
campaign sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States aimed at
reducing the number of dog bite injuries in this country through public
education and the promotion of responsible dog ownership.
Dogs may bite for a variety of reasons: out of fear, to protect
their territory, or to establish dominance.
While
dog bites pose a significant public health problem, it's a problem that's
largely preventable. Here
are a few pointers for people who want to "bite-proof" themselves
and avoid dog bites:
·
·
Don't
disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for
puppies. Dogs naturally guard
their food, their babies, their toys, and their owners, as well as property
that belongs to their owners.
·
·
Never
approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied up or confined behind
a fence or in a car. Always
assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or as
a threat.
·
·
When a
dog approaches you, stand still and stay quiet. Keep your hands at your sides.
·
·
Don't
pet someone else's dog without first asking its guardian for permission.
Before petting someone else's dog -- or even your own -- let the
dog see and sniff you first.
·
·
Never
turn your back to a dog and run away.
A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you.
·
·
And finally,
teach your children how to be safe around dogs. If you would like more information on this or any other pet-related
issue, please call the Redwood Coast Humane Society at 884-1304.
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How
To Find A Missing Pet.
If your pet wanders off do the following:
Search day and night in
garages, bushes, storage units.
Encourage your pet to return
by calling, whistling, offering treats.
Advertise through posted
fliers, neighbors, the Humane Society bulletin board, newspaper, the Vet.
Read the lost and found
pet columns in the local paper.
Contact the local radio
station KTDE with your pet's description and last location.
Hunt over and over for your
pet.
When your pet is found, and most are, thank all of those who helped you.
For more information about pet safety, contact the Redwood Coast Humane
Society at 884-1304 or contact your local Vet.
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How To Surrender A Pet To the Humane Society
There are times when a pet can no longer be part of a household and must
be surrendered to another loving home.
If circumstances interfere in a pet's ability to stay with its present
family the Redwood Coast Humane Society is here for you. For instance,
please call us when a litter of kittens or puppies presents itself and
we will help with fostering and/or finding homes for them. They will receive
medical attention and be spayed or neutered at the appropriate time.
Ask for a low cost spay/neuter voucher for your parent animals. The animals
will be happier and healthier and you will have helped to curb the problem
of unwanted dogs or cats.
Remember to call the Redwood Coast Humane Society with any concerns about
animals that cannot be a part of your household. Our phone number is 884-1304.
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