by Laurie Griffin

Protecting Pets in the Summer

It’s that dreaded time of year again.  Outdoor temps are climbing, moods are getting cranky, sometimes it’s too hot to even move.  Summers in North Texas can be brutal for all of us, including the animals who count on us for their care.   Keep the following tips in mind when making plans for your animal friends during this hot and steamy season.

•    Never leave an animal inside your vehicle while unattended.  Unlike humans, dogs and cats lack the ability to regulate body temperature through perspiration. A car parked in as low as 75 degrees can become a deadly trap for animals locked inside, where they can soon suffer heat exhaustion, stroke, brain damage, or death.  Cracking windows also does very little to provide relief from sweltering heat. Check out www.mydogiscool.com, a site dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of leaving pets inside vehicles on warmer days.  There you can find out just how hot a parked car can become, download a printable flier to place on unattended vehicles with pets left inside. Note: Contact police immediately if you witness an animal in danger or child left unattended in a vehicle.

•    Always transport animals safely inside the cab of a truck, or inside a tethered kennel in the pick-up bed.  Each year countless pets are killed by riding in the back of trucks, due to flying debris, being tossed out inadvertently, or jumping out on their own.  Each year, local animal groups, newspapers, lost pet websites, and animal controls are contacted by those who have lost animals because they were thrown or bolted from the back of a truck.  In warm months, restrict animal transportation to the inside of cabs only, as a pick-up bed can become dangerously hot in a hurry.

•    Many dogs are terrified in thunderstorms and by July 4th fireworks.  Leave animals at home when attending summer celebrations, and whenever possible, bring them indoors when neighborhood fireworks and summer storms explode.

•    Lawn fertilizers and insecticides can be fatal for pets and children.  Take extreme caution when using them in your yard.  Also, there are over 700 plant varieties that can be toxic to animals and children.  To find a complete list, visit www.aspca.org.

•    Whether indoors or out, make sure animals have access to plenty of water, and change several times a day.  When possible, keep pets indoors.  If your animals must be kept outside, make sure to provide constant shade, as well as bowls of water and food that will not tip over.  While exercise remains important, limit daily walks and play sessions to early morning or evening hours.  In days of extreme heat, skip outdoor activities.  Apply sunscreen on light-colored ear tips and noses, and never have coats clipped shorter than one inch.  Cutting fur too short can lead to sunburn and overheating.

•    Most animal bites occur in summer months.  Spay or neuter pets to reduce negative behavior, such as aggression and anxiety, and to help prevent thousands of unwanted litters born each year.   For information about low cost spay/neuter, call the Denton Humane Society at 940-382-PETS.  The incidence of rabies rises in summer months, too., so make sure pets are current on vaccines.  Heartworm is spread through mosquito bites, which increase in summer as well.  Keep animals on heartworm preventative to keep this potentially fatal disease at bay.  Summertime is also flea season.  Maintain your animal’s health and comfort by using a flea/tick control product recommended by your vet.  Always make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag, or have your vet implant a microchip, to insure your pet can be found in the case she becomes lost.

•    Use caution when exposing pets to pools and lakes.  Don’t assume your dog will automatically know how to exit the pool if he happens to go in.  Teach him where the steps are and never leave him unattended.  When boating with your dog, always use a canine lifejacket.

•    Make yourself aware of the signs of heatstroke and know what to do if your pet is in danger.  According to www.peteducation.com, signs of a heatstroke include:  panting, bright red tongue, slobbering, thick and sticky saliva, depression, weakness, reluctance to move, convulsions, eventual death.   If you see any of these signs, it is vital to lower your pet’s body temperature immediately:  move your pet to the shade or air conditioning, place wet towels on his body (on head, neck, and chest only), provide cool (not cold) water and allow him to drink in small amounts, offer ice in small amounts for him to lick, and call your vet immediately.

by Jeanie LeBlanc

Of all the reasons for not going out to your local animal shelter and adopting a new pet this weekend, your household budget constraints should be the last thing to get in the way of finding your furry forever friend.

While it is true that the recession and rising unemployment have placed a burden on animal rescue programs and shelters, for the average household, having a pet does not have to be as costly as a  trip to the mall or a daily Starbucks run.

If you’re a bottom-line consumer, consider this:
Annual costs for a small dog average around $420, medium $620 and large $780.  Annual cost for a cat is about $545.  With millions of adoptable animals available, there is no need to pay a breeder.  Be a hero instead – check with the Denton Humane Society about adoption fees at dentonhumanesociety.org.  They can also help you with low-cost spaying/neutering options.

Annual vet visits are a must, along with heartworm and flea prevention.  Many people spend extra on treats, training and toys.  But just as your family has had to cut back on some luxuries,  your pooch can probably live without that rhinestone-studded collar.  Never skimp on an animal’s basic needs, but dogs and cats require no more each day than food, clean fresh water, exercise and interaction with you.  Dry food is fine for Daisy, and in fact it is recommended that you limit people food to avoid vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems, obesity and plain-old pickiness.

Frequent brushing will reduce shedding and cut down on kitty hairballs.  Teeth cleaning can be done once a week with baking soda and water using a child’s soft toothbrush or nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger.  Your animal friend needs a clean, dry place to sleep with bedding that is washed regularly.  Spoiling and ear-scratching is completely optional.

Benefits of pet ownership are many.  Petting an animal can lower stress levels and promote a healthy sense of well-being.  During these economic struggles we are facing, it is good for your mental health and stability to have a pet around for love, companionship and stress-reducing qualities. Pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness.  They increase your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, and chances for socialization.  The affection and companionship of your dog or cat can take the place of bar-hopping, mate-chasing and assorted other expensive pursuits.  No need to join a gym, drive, park and climb on a treadmill when you can just grab a leash and take Buddy out for a walk. Cat couture and doggie divas may be all the rage in L.A., but here in Texas, you can tie on a bandanna and take Max to the park for free.

A lazy Sunday afternoon with a good book and a purring cat on the couch is much cheaper than an hour with a therapist.  Investing in a pet will guarantee greater returns than Wall Street ever could.   The price per lick is minimal, and having a furry pal to come home to at the end of the day is truly priceless.

by Laurie Griffin

2010 is here, and Old Man Winter has shown up in full force.  Don’t forget animal friends who depend on us to meet their needs for survival.  The Denton Humane Society and other animal rescue groups advocate indoor homes are better for pets and their people.  When included as part of a household, pets almost always prove to be happier and healthier, are better behaved, and both owners and pets enjoy relationships that are more rewarding.   Winter winds in North Texas are brutal for animals left outside, add to those dropping temperatures and a wet climate, and outdoor animals face a severe and bitter reality.

For pets who are kept outdoors, extra precautions must be taken to make their environment is as safe as possible.  Provide adequate shelter, which includes an insulated structure that has a firm ceiling, four walls, and is several inches off the ground.   Make sure the opening is one that will allow the animal access while keeping the space fully covered.  Fill with hay or cedar chips, and place in a sheltered area with the entrance facing away from the wind.  Keep water fresh and change several times daily to prevent freezing, or provide a heated bowl with a warming device, sold at pet stores.  According to the Humane Society of the United States, animals who are kept outside often need more food and water to sustain energy levels needed to stay warm.  Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate diet for outdoor animals in winter.  Keep food and water in plastic bowls.  Metal bowls can freeze and cause serious damage your animal’s mouth and tongue.  Don’t forget to provide shelter for horses and livestock in winter, too.  Make sure their water does not freeze, and supply a shelter that will allow animals to escape heavy snow, ice or rain, as well as severe winds.

Keep your environment free of dangerous toxins that are commonly used in winter.  Anti-freeze is a green liquid that is sweet-tasting and attractive to pets.  It is also a major cause of death in animals every year.  Keep driveways and garage floors clean from spills, or consider using propylene glycol in vehicles, which is a coolant/anti-freeze that is less toxic when swallowed by pets or wildlife.  Be careful about salt and sand used on the roads when conditions are icy.  These can burn and damage paws, so be sure to wipe your pet’s feet after walking in snow or ice.

If animals have access to your vehicles, be careful to check under your hood before turning the ignition each day.  Cats are especially drawn to engines as warm hiding places, and may crawl inside and stay for hours or even overnight.   Every year many cats are injured or killed when motors start and they are caught inside.  Tap on the hood before starting the car, and open if you hear something unexpected.

Help control the problem of animal over-population by having your pet spayed/neutered this winter.  Mating season will be in full swing in the spring, so get a head-start on decreasing the massive numbers of unwanted dogs and cats born each year.  For information on low cost spay/neuter, contact Texas Coalition for Animal Protection at www.texasforthem.org or The Denton Humane Society at www.dentonhumanesociety.org

During this economic downturn, charity groups are feeling the pinch.  2010 promises to be a challenge in terms of meeting the needs faced by animals in Denton County.  According to the Denton Humane Society, current donations are drastically down, while the need for assistance is greatly increased.  This is true for animal rescue groups nationwide.  If you have a little extra to give, donations by way of money, food, and supplies are greatly appreciated.

Mahatma Gandhi once said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”  Let’s help care for the animals of Denton County this winter, and make a difference in the lives of our fellow furry citizens!

Denton has a critical need for a new animal shelter to replace the existing City of Denton shelter built in 1979, which is out of date and capacity. The current shelter, which has a maximum capacity of 114 animals, will handle over 5,000 dogs/cats in 2009. Due to population growth by 2017, conservative estimates are that over 7,550 stray, abused and abandoned dogs/cats will require service annually. “This is a project that is long overdue for Denton and needs addressing with appropriate dispatch,” said DASF Chairman Bette Sherman.

Denton Animal Shelter Foundation, Inc. (DASF) is a federal tax-exempt foundation partnering with the City of Denton in proposing an updated and more humane concept in animal care and adoption by launching a $3.2 million capital campaign to support the building of a new Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center. The city will need to fund the majority of the 22,240 square foot facility which would continue to house city Animal Services functions required by state and city regulation. DASF is soliciting private donations for the adoption and care areas, changing the strategic focus to rescue and adoption instead of merely warehousing dogs/cats. “This facility would be a positive reflection on the image of the city of Denton,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Pete Kamp, DASF Vice Chairman. She added that “the city would continue to operate the care center with increased participation from volunteers and local rescue groups.” Texas State Representative Myra Crownover is serving as Honorary Chairman of the capital campaign.

After 18 months of assessment and research, the conceptual design was completed by Connolly Architects, Inc., an Austin-based firm specializing in animal shelters. Hired by the city, Connolly completed a master plan that was accepted by city council in December 2008. In January 2009, the city purchased 20 acres of park land, designating six acres for the new animal care facility, and would be three times the size of the older shelter, allowing for future growth and expansion. Areas funded through private donations would include attractive adoption-friendly dog/cat habitats, outside dog play, cat screened porch, on-site vet clinic, community/event room, grooming, “get-acquainted” private rooms, separate space for puppys/kittens, and volunteer coordination/training space. This center would seek to qualify for green energy efficiency LEED silver designation and would use advanced technology for maximum operating cost effectiveness.

As part of the capital campaign, contributors have the opportunity to “name” areas of the new shelter. Available for individuals, families, businesses, and groups, and may include “in memory ” or “honor ” designations. A permanent “Wall of Honor” will be installed in the lobby of the recognizing contributors.

The mission of DASF is fundraising and public education to support the city shelter; it is not involved in daily shelter operation. DASF is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization with no paid staff. For contributions and more information: www.dentonanimalshelterfoundation.com

When pet owners choose to hire someone for in-home care, a locally owned pet sitting business is the optimal choice, especially in today’s economy.

Independent pet sitting businesses, as a whole, have been in existence for decades. In fact, many of these businesses have been pet sitting for a number of years and, in addition to providing excellent care, they offer advantages. Pet sitting businesses operate their services in a way that uniquely fits the community by being able to offer options and special arrangements on a client to client basis with freedom to fit their clients’ needs.

“Many people are concerned about the economy and are looking for ways to keep money in their communities,” says Therese Kopiwoda, founder of PetsitUSA. “Hiring pet sitting businesses that are fully owned by community members is an excellent way to put money back into one’s local economy.”

To find the best professional in-home pet sitting service, search online for company websites that offer an insight into the level of expertise each pet sitter offers, whether or not they are certified in pet first aid/CPR, or ask for recommendations from other owners. Also, look for a sitter who is part of an organization such as Pet Sitters International. When it comes to the right person caring for one’s pets, pet sitters are a solid choice for owners who want the best.

Sheila Wilson, Companion Pet Sitting, 940-390-6820, www.companionpetsitter.com
Serving Denton, Aubrey, Crossroads, Krugerville, Providence, and Savannah

“My pet, my choice. Say NO to spay and neuter.” Those were the words on the bumper sticker in front of me as I picked up my daughter from school. I thought about the words, and wondered if the driver had ever been to an animal shelter, where millions of cats and dogs are euthanized each year because there are not enough homes for them. This time of year, every pound in the nation is brimming with litter upon litter of unwanted kittens and pups, waiting for a family and a chance for a happy life, waiting, through no fault of their own, for the home that never comes. I wonder if this “anti-spay/neuter” attitude would hold true if this person were forced to look into an animal’s pleading eyes, just before he takes his last breath. Even the no-kill shelters and foster programs turn countless animals away each year simply because there is not enough room. According to the HSUS, more than 4 million dogs and cats who enter open-door shelters will be euthanized in 2009. It’s a heartbreaking situation, but there is something we can all do to make things better.

1. Be responsible with your own pets. It can’t be said enough – have companion animals spayed/neutered. Sterilization not only helps to reduce massive overpopulation numbers, but also creates a happier, healthier pet, and a better home environment. Studies show that animals who are neutered live longer, healthier lives, have far less behavioral problems, and make better members of the family! For more information, visit www.hsus.org/pet_care.

2. Donate to spay and neuter causes. Local groups, such as Denton Humane Society and Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), have spay/neuter programs that are in constant need of financial donations. Programs offer assistance to local pet owners who cannot afford to provide this service for their pet.

3. Volunteer your time. Fundraisers take a vast amount of time, effort, and manpower. Contact your local rescue group and ask how you can help raise money for spay/neuter, as well as other animal welfare causes.

4. Spread the news! Encourage others you know to make the choice to have their dog or cat neutered.

On a very positive note…on April 1st, TCAP announced that it has sterilized 55,000 dogs and cats since its beginning in 2002. According to www.cats.com, one female and her offspring can produce over 420,000 in seven years. Keeping this statistic in mind, TCAP has prevented the births of millions and millions of unwanted cats and dogs in the last 7 years! TCAP runs a low cost spay/neuter clinic in Denton, as well as a location in Ft. Worth. They offer services five days a week, including low cost vaccinations.

As I drove by a park today, I counted the neighborhood cats who live nearby. I was able to see a total of 9. One black and white female looked very pregnant, another huge orange tabby was clearly an unneutered male. I shake my head and wonder what will happen to these guys, these innocent lives who have no voice. Each cat is too wild to even approach, and those who are friendly have little chance of finding a good home, as the number of animals in need greatly exceeds the people who want them. Every community across the nation has a swarming supply of unwanted animals, all present because at some point a human choice was made not to spay/neuter their pet. Let’s do better by our animal friends!

For information on TCAP’s low cost programs, contact them in Denton at 713 Sunset Street, 940-566-5551. For additional information on spay/neuter, low cost programs, or volunteer opportunities, contact Denton Humane Society at 940-382-PETS or www.dentonhumanesociety.org.