SMALL ANIMAL ADVOCATES
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Hello again. It’s always a pleasure to greet
you wonderful small animal lovers thru our newsletter. We’d love to have your
input on how you like it and suggestions. How about submitting a favorite pet
story of yours – if short – for the newsletter or if longer for our Web site?
Readers love such treats.
There are great articles in this newsletter and I’d like to add a bit of advice
to finding a lost pet. I’ve had feedback that these hints have worked. For a
lost cat, put out its (used) litter box on the porch or somewhere on your
property. They have a great sense of smell. For a dog, place a piece of your
soiled clothing where he/she was last seen or at the edge of your property. You
may find him/her sitting on it waiting for you. Always offer a reward and use
the local (Stoughton) paper to place a free ad.
A warning to never buy a puppy or dog from a pet store (unless they are
sponsored by the Humane Society or a rescue group); or from a breeder or an ad
that offers more than one or two breeds available. There are many rescue groups
who have great, needy, healthy pets available. They may cost a bit, but it’s
worth it! If you want more info look on the Internet for the specific breed.
I leave you with the following quote and this Bible verse for our many
supporters and encouragers: I Corinthians 1:4a “ I thank my God always on your
behalf.” So many of you have been a blessing to us and I do say “Thank You,
Lord.” As He is in every part of my life.
I’m an Animal Rescuer
By the love of those I’ve been privileged to rescue,
I have been rescued.
I know what true unconditional love really is,
For I’ve seen it shining in the eyes of so many
grateful for so little.
I am an Animal Rescuer.
My work is never done.
My home is never quiet.
My wallet is always empty.
But my heart is always full.
I’m an Animal Rescuer.
Sincerely,
Kathy Thode; President, SAA
Why Spay or Neuter?
In the United States, four to six million
companion animals end up in animal shelters each year. Many of them are
euthanized. There are simply not enough homes for all the pets awaiting
adoption. You can play an important role in controlling pet overpopulation by
spaying or neutering your pet.
Research shows that spayed or neutered pets live longer and have reduced risks
of a variety of health problems, including certain types of cancer. Please don’t
let your pet contribute any more puppies or kittens to the tragic statistics.
Exercise is Important for Your Dog
Regular exercise helps prevent obesity and
associated health risks as your pet ages, including heart and joint disease.
Frequent, scheduled walks help promote and maintain housetraining. Dogs not
routinely walked and praised for good toilet habits can regress at any age.
Exercise expends energy and helps your dog cope better with your absences.
Separation-related misbehavior is reduced in dogs who are ready for a long nap
by the time their owners leave.
Dogs whose physical, intellectual and social needs are met by regular exercise
and activity are less prone to misbehavior like digging, chewing, barking and
nipping.
Home Again
Tests conducted at the University of Michigan have shown that a cat’s memory exceeds that of a dog, a monkey or an orangutan. Although other factors are involved, this may partially explain the cat’s unique ability to find its way back to a present or former residence, sometimes over incredibly long distances.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Steps to Keep Your Pet from Getting Lost
Be sure your pet is spayed or neutered. This simple operation reduces a pet’s urge to roam. An altered animal is healthier, too.
Every time you leave the house – and at bedtime – check to see where your pet is. The time to find out your dog or cat is missing is not when you return or wake up the next morning. If you have several pets, you should count noses before you leave or go to bed to be sure they are safely inside.
Be especially careful when you open and close doors leading to the outside. It only takes a few seconds for a pet to escape and wander away. If you don’t see it happen, you might not miss your pet for several hours – and time is precious when conducting a search for a missing animal. Be sure to instruct all family members on this important point, and watch the doors yourself when visitors arrive or depart.
Another time to restrict pets to a closed-off room is when workers are present in your home or a janitor has been given access to your apartment. You can’t expect them to be as careful as you would be. Be sure to mention that pets are inside.
Impress on petsitters the importance of keeping the pets indoors or always walked on a leash. An indoor pet may get lonely while you’re gone and try to get outside to look for you. It may be safer to board your pet while you are away.
Use carrying cases or crates to transport your pets. Do not carry a cat in your arms even for short distances. Never let a cat or dog roam freely in your car en route. Transport dogs in crates or with harnesses that attach to the car’s seat belt.
Do not take your pet traveling without a collar and ID tags with your current address or phone number.
Finding a Lost Pet
If your pet is lost, there are many things you can do to increase the likelihood of finding him/her. How carefully you search and how persistent and resourceful you are can determine whether or not your pet will be found.
Look close to home: Most lost cats who have always lived indoors will not go far from home. Many are discovered hiding just a few doors away. If lost while being transported (to the vet, for example), cats are often found just a few yards from the spot where they were lost. Start looking under porches, in basements and in garages. Sometimes cats are locked inside areas which are little used: it’s your job to check with neighbors and ask them to open doors that may be keeping your pet confined. Call your pet’s name often – and listen for a soft reply.
Once inside a closed-off area, look carefully in boxes or behind stacks of stored items. Cats have been known to hide in the most out-of-the-way place possible or a closet, room or garage – without even meowing to let you know it is there. That’s normal for a very frightened animal – and if your cat was never away from home before, it may be too scared to respond to your call. In fact, new surroundings can produce great fear in cats – and many people have reported their cats “lost” just after a move to a new house or apartment – only to find the cat days later safely inside, and more adjusted to the new quarters.
Set up a temporary outdoor pet comfort station: Leave fresh food and water outside on a porch or in a sheltered area close to your home. Also, set up a large cardboard box lined with an old towel or other item that smells familiar to your pet. If your lost pet should return while you are asleep or away from home, food and shelter may save its life. This is also an incentive for it to stay close by. Check the box and food supply regularly during quiet evening and early morning hours.
Look for cats at night: The best time to look for a lost cat is in the dark – between dusk and dawn – when streets are quiet. A lost and hiding cat will come out in the dark to look for food. Take a flashlight with you and search under parked cars, in yards and under bushes as well as in alleys. It’s a good idea to take a friend along at night for safety and bring some cat food, too, so that you can calm your pet and feed it if you should find it.
Dogs seek familiar surroundings: A dog that is normally walked on a leash may wander to the places you have walked together if it does get lost. Or it may seek similar areas if in an unfamiliar neighborhood – such as parks, playgrounds, grocery stores, etc.
Looking for home: Both cats and dogs have been known to try to find their way back to a former residence if the owners have moved.
The importance of a mug shot: Be sure to have current photos of your pet to use for posters and to show others. Put posters up around your neighborhood.
Adopted from information from the
Tree House Animal Foundation, Inc., Chicago, IL
Pet Care Tips for Winter
It’s that cold weather time of year again.
Help protect pets with these tips for the cold months:
• Outdoor cats have been known to crawl up under the hoods of cars to seek
shelter and warmth near the engine during the cold winter months. A cat may be
killed or injured when the motor is started. Make sure you bang loudly on the
hood of your car before starting it so a cat may escape.
• Leaving your pet in the car while running into a store is not recommended.
Your car can act as a refrigerator by holding in the cold.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep off the floor and
away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is
perfect.
Holiday Hazards for Your Pet
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HAZARDS
• Bones – Turkey, chicken, and other small animal bones are
very different from the large bones you find at the pet store. These small bones
splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed, so NEVER
give them to your pet.
• Hot Containers – Your dog or cat will most likely become curious when they
smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that your pet does not
tip them over and get burned.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HAZARDS
• Holiday Plants – Christmas rose, holly, lilies, and mistletoe are all toxic to
dogs and cats.
• Ribbons – It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet’s neck
may cause them to choke.
• Bubbling Lights – Older forms of this attractive
decoration may contain methylene chloride which is a highly toxic chemical.
• Fire Salts – Contain chemicals that could be harmful to pets.
• Angel Hair (Spun Glass) – Can be irritating to eyes and skin and could cause
intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.
• Christmas Tree Water – Stagnant tree water or containing
preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
• Decoration Hooks – Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract
if swallowed.
• Styrofoam – Can cause your pets to choke if swallowed.
• Ornaments – These can look like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause
serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.
• Tinsel – Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.
Look Mom, No Cavities!
Good oral health is essential to your dog’s overall
health. Puppies’ baby teeth will be completely replaced with adult teeth by five
or six months of age. Most baby teeth are swallowed.
Like you, your dog needs regular dental care to remove plaque and tarter. Dental
kits for dogs are available for daily use; do not use human toothpaste.
For best results, brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Ask your veterinarian to
show you how. It’s best to start when the dog is a puppy and takes to new things
more easily.
Report broken teeth to your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will
examine your dog’s or cat’s mouth at every physical examination and will perform
a professional cleaning as well.
From materials provided by the Stoughton Vet Service,
published by Hill’s Science Diet;
Consumer Affairs: 1-800-445-5777; www.ScienceDiet.com
Check Your Dogs Ears Regularly
A dog’s ears normally do not require cleaning, but check them regularly for any dirt, debris or redness, especially if you’ve noticed your dog scratching or shaking his head. Contact your veterinarian if you notice these signs or anything unusual. Your veterinarian can give you instructions on cleaning your dog’s ears, if necessary. Ear mites and ear infections require treatment by a veterinarian.