Spring safety tips for pets

#1 SPRING BREAK

Spring Break is a busy time for the animals. Many folks and animals are out
and about due to the nicer weather. Please ensure the pet's safety by putting
on updated tags with correct fitting collars, fix fences, (don't forget we have
a volunteer that can help fix fences: Jack Watkins at justjackis@hotmail.com) If you leave
town for Spring Break, fix up a Pet folder, including vet number, petwatch
number, pound etc... Pet sitters are just as heartbroken as the owner when they
lose a pet. Often pets are in different homes and may not find the sitter's home
back as easily. Leave plenty of food and water and make sure the animal has
appropriate shelter with our unpredictable weather.

#2 NEUTER YOUR PET

Unless you are a professional animal breeder, have your pets
spayed or neutered. These procedures will help your pets live
longer, healthier lives. They will also eliminate unwanted and
unplanned litters of kittens and puppies. Millions of unadopted
spring puppies and kittens have to be destroyed by overburdened
animal shelters every year.

#3 VACCINATE!

Warmer weather brings out more house bound pets and more wildlife
which can carry rabies, distemper and other contagious diseases.
Make sure your dogs and cats are protected. Visit your veterinarian
and get your pet vaccinated. There are vaccines that will help
reduce the risk of distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, kennel
cough and rabies.

#4 START OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Spring time is a great time to begin obedience training fore
your puppy or young dog or to brush up training for your older
more mature dog. An unruly out of control dog is a danger to
himself and others. Good citizenship requires that dog owners
have their pets under control whenever among other dogs and
people. An obedient dog is a happy and healthy pet.

#5 SCREEN YOUR WINDOWS!

Its great to feel the fresh air and gentle breezes entering
your home through opened windows. But make sure your windows
are screened. Thousands of pets are killed or seriously injured
each year in falls from opened windows in single family suburban
homes and large urban apartment buildings.

#6 LEASHES, DON'T GO OUT WITHOUT
ONE

If you are going outdoors with your pet, make sure it is on
a leash. Your pet must be under control at all times when it
is out among other people and pets. The firm grip you maintain
on the leash is the best safeguard you have to insure that your
pet doesn't spar with other animals or gets loose and runs away.
Your pet should also always wear a collar with an identification
tag.

#7 NEED A JOGGING PARTNER?

Running with your dog can be great exercise for both of you.
Keep your dog's age and over all health in mind when you choose
a distance and course. Be careful not to stress your pet to
the point when it is injured. Keep away from hot tar or paved
surfaces that can cause burns to your pets foot pad.

#8 STOP FLEAS & TICKS

The same Lyme disease (carried by ticks) that ravages healthy
people can do enormous damage to pets. Check with your veterinarian
for new, easy-to-use flea and tick products. Only use the flea
and tick products recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter
products can be toxic and pose dangers to your pets.

#9 CAR SICK PETS

Car sick pets can make a long car ride an excruciating journey.
Make thing easy on everyone. Don't feed your pet for 8 to 12
hours before an extended car trip. You can give water up to
two hours before. Plan several stops along the way to let your
pet and other passengers relieve themselves. Bring some water
from home and give just enough to your pet to quench its thirst.

#10 USE PET ID TAGS

Avoid the heart ache that comes when a pet is lost. Make sure
your pet has an identification tag on its collar. The tag should
have your daytime and home phone numbers or email address. Use
the implanted ID chip system too. It can help your identify
pet if it is turned into an animal shelter. Tens of thousands
of pets are lost each years. Unfortunately too many are euthanized
because they lack ID and are not adopted.

#11 PET FIRST AID KIT

Most serious injuries to pets occur in the spring and summer
months when we spend more time outdoors with them. Be prepared
if an emergency strikes. Have a well stocked first aid kit handy.
can be the difference between life and death.

#12 PLAN VACATION TRIPS

If you plan to travel this summer and bring your pet along make
sure you plan ahead. Nothing will ruin a vacation faster than
finding out as you check in that your hotel doesn't allow pets.
When booking accommodation make sure your hotel or vacation
resort permits pets. Check with and make arrangements well in
advance with your airline, train or bus line. AAA and other
travel services have lists of hotels and transportation systems
that are pet friendly.

#13 A BUMPY RIDE

One of the most dangerous places for pets is the back of a pickup
truck. Pets can be thrown from the truck if the driver has to
make a sudden stop or turn, or they can be hit by shifting cargo
or flying debris. Dogs and other pets should ride in the cab
either in a pet carrier or secured by a pet safety belt.

#14 STILL WATERS AREN'T SAFE

Children aren't the only ones who drown when left unsupervised
in backyard pools. Pets are also vulnerable. Never leave your
cat or dog alone at or near a pool.