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Oh Where Can He Be?
Few things are more devastating than losing your family pet. Here are some steps to take to ensure that your pet gets home safe and secure.
First, thoroughly check your property. Cats and dogs can get into places that you’d never expect! They may also remain in that spot if they are frightened, or physically unable to free themselves.
If your pet is not found on your property, the next step is to search your neighborhood. Most pets are recovered well within a 2 mile perimeter of their home. Talk with everyone you meet and leave a description of your pet as well as your number (NEVER leave your name or address and NEVER let your child go door to door unaccompanied by an adult.)
Post flyers in your neighborhood. If possible, place a photo of your pet on each flyer. Include the date and place your pet was lost, the breed, age, sex, weight, and color of the animal as well as your phone number. In addition to your neighborhood, place flyers at intersections controlled by traffic signals, grocery store entrances and exits, and at local dog parks.
Once you are home, speak to your postal worker about your missing pet, providing a description and picture if available. Your postal worker has extensive contact with people in your neighborhood and can also be canvassing the area while he is delivering mail.
While home, Place strong-scented articles outside your home to attract your pet (i.e. some of your dirty clothes, your cat’s litter box or your dog’s favorite toy.) Never leave food as that may attract stray or wild animals.
Contact, and if possible, visit animal shelters in your area.
If you live in Pinellas County, these shelters include Pinellas County Animal Services 582-2600; SPCA 586-3591; Humane Society of North Pinellas 797-7722; Friends of Strays 522-6566 and Pet Pal Animal Shelter 328-7738. Don’t forget to also call local veterinarians’ offices.
Even if your animal is not at one of these facilities, leave a description and photo. This way, they will have your contact information to give out should someone find your pet.
Place an ad in the lost and found section of your local paper. Be sure to advertise in the Sunday edition as well as during the week. Then, check the newspaper “found ads” everyday (NEVER respond to a pet ad alone! Bring a friend and meet in a public place). You can also place notices and monitor web sites such as Craig’s List, Petfinder.com, tabbytracker.com (for cats) and fidofinder.com (for dogs.)
If your animal has a microchip, contact the microchip company as soon as you realize that the animal is missing to ensure that they have the correct information on file. Most microchip companies will then send out an alert to local veterinary offices and shelters.
An innovative way to get the word out is to write a message on your car windows. As you drive around, you will be getting your message out to 100’s of people. Be careful not to block your view.
Once your animal has been located, there are steps you can take to decrease the likelihood that this will happen again.
1. If not already done, make arrangements to have your animal spayed or neutered. Altered animals are less likely to roam.
2. Get a microchip implanted and if your animal already has a chip, contact the microchip company to confirm that your animal is properly registered.
3. Make sure your pet is current on its vaccinations and has a county license.
4. ID tags with phone number(s) and other pertinent information can be purchased at local pet shops. Be sure to have a new one made yearly or whenever the information on the tag begins to fade.
5. Pet proof your yard. Check your fence for new escape routes on a regular basis and make sure that the locks are secure.
6. Take clear photographs of your animal and update them regularly.
7. Consider changing your collar to a martingale, which are specifically designed so that animals cannot slip out of them.
8. Provide your animal with exercise, toys and other distractions so that they do not get bored and feel the need to leave home.
KEEPING YOUR ANIMALS SAFE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
Holiday Parties, Fire Works Displays and New Year’s Day-The hustle and bustle of people and loud noises can be rather stressful on your pet. Make sure you provide pets with a safe, quiet room they can go to during holidays. This way they can retreat to their ‘safe place’ and the likelihood of your pet bolting out of front door is greatly diminished.
New Year’s Day next to July 5th, is the busiest day for animal shelters and people looking for their lost pets. Prior to any holiday celebration, make sure your pet has:
(1)Identification tags with accurate information.
(2) A microchip: More pets find their way home due to their microchip. If your pet doesn’t have a chip, having one inserted before New Year’s might not be a bad idea. Remember to update your microchip registration if you’ve moved or changed phone number.
(3) An up to date photo of your animal to have on hand to give to animal services or other local animal shelters and to make flyers with. Remember that a picture speaks 1000 words.
Best Wishes to you and your pets and we look forward to seeing you soon at Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
Heartworm Prevention is Year Round
Aah…the weather is cooler and the windows are open, letting in the autumn breeze. Unfortunately, in Florida and much of the south, mosquitoes are still up to their old tricks, taking a “bite ” out of our good time. What may be an annoyance for humans, however, can prove deadly to our pets. Heartworm larva is deposited into dogs when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Within six months the larva grow into adult heartworms causing severe damage to the animal’s heart and lungs.
Treatment for heartworms is costly and lengthy, taking up to 2 months to treat. However, Left untreated, the disease will prove deadly. Prevention by comparison is safe and inexpensive and, if administered properly, is extremely effective. Talk to your veterinarian today about heartworm treatment. Your pet with thank you.
Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty…
This gallery contains 3 photos.
Because Cats appear to be so independent, we often forget that they need enrichment as much as any other animal. First and foremost is the positioning of our cat’s 3 basic resources-food, water and elimination. Because cats are prey as well as predators, they feel most vulnerable when eating, drinking and eliminating. To avoid this feeling, position these resources away from areas where you cat is likely to be startled.
Scratching and climbing are natural to your cat, so rather than scolding him for climbing where he shouldn’t be, provide an appropriate space where he can do both such as a cat perch and a scratching post.
Auditory (hearing) and olfactory (smelling) stimulation can also aid in your cat’s enrichment. Turning on the radio or television and/or providing your cat with some Valerian or catnip may be just the thing he needs.
Of course, we can’t forget about the feline- human bond. Structured play and grooming are just two ways to interact with your cat. Remember, providing love and attention is a two-way street that can lead to a long and happy life for both you and your cat.
LOTUS HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!!
To the person who thought that Lotus wasn’t “Worth It”-the last laugh is on you. Yesterday Lotus was adopted by a wonderful family, complete with a beautiful home , other dogs to play with, a yard to run in and unconditional love. Lotus is proof that every animal deserves a second…and sometimes even a third one.
Good luck Lotus-it’s your time to bloom!
Please Don’t Litter!
Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Services
APPOINTMENTS ARE NECESSARY
Every year millions of animals are surrendered to shelters-only half make it out. PLEASE be a responsible owner and spay/neuter your pets.
Prices
Cats
Male (neuter) $35
Female (spay) $40
DOGS
Male (neuter) Female (spay)
2- 20 pounds $75 2-25 pounds $90
21-40 pounds 110 26-50 pounds 110
41-80 pounds 125 51-75 pounds 140
81-120 pounds 190 76-100 pounds 170
Over 100 pounds 220
By Florida law, all animals must receive a rabies vaccination. The additional fee for a rabies vaccine is $13.00. An exam fee, which has been discounted for $20 will also be charged (exam fee will be waived for feral cats). Other vaccinations are not required but we do recommend that you consider having these services done for the health and well being of your animal.
What’s That Smell?
You come home from a long day at work and your dog is ready to greet you with kisses But wait-what’s that smell? Yep it’s Fido’s breath. If you could bottle that scent, there would be no need for home security systems. One whiff and the crooks would be running! But what about the underlying problems? Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of 3 and, just like humans, there can be serious consequences to poor dental health; Tartar and any affected areas contain a multitude of bacteria that can travel to other parts of the body. Luckily, dental disease progresses in stages. If caught early, you can prevent further damage. Dental cleanings are available at Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic and appointments can be made by calling (727) 328-7729. Contact our clinic today-your dog will breathe a sigh of “non-fish smelling” relief!
HEAT KILLS!
In the summer, the heat inside cars and trucks heats up quickly. When the temperature outside is 85, the temperature inside the vehicle (even with the windows slightly open) can reach 102 in ten minutes. Within 30 minutes, it can reach 120 degrees. An animal in a closed vehicle will develop heatstroke and eventually, its brain will literally “cook”.
Is you are thinking of taking your dog out with you and leaving him in the car while you just run a simple errand-DON’T. If you see an animal in heat distress in a car, notify a law enforcement official IMMEDIATELY and then call Pinellas County Animal Services (727) 586-2600. It is against the law (Ord No. 92-15s 11,3-10-92) and violations are punishable by Criminal Penalty and/or Civil Penalty.
Veterinary Clinic Now Open on Mondays!
Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic, located at 1900 34th Street S., St. Pete, has recently expanded its hours of operation. The clinic is now open Monday through Friday from 9-5 and Saturdays from 8-12.
Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling the clinic at (727) 328-7729
The clinic is also please to introduce its newest staff members, Dr. Natalie Long, DVM, Dr. Camille Andrews, DVM and Sandy Levy, CVT.
Honey, it’s time we had “The Talk”
April showers bring May flowers and, unfortunately, QUITE a few unwanted animal pregnancies. We can’t blame our animals for what comes naturally to them but we must be responsible for their actions. Spaying and neutering your pets will NOT make them fat and lazy and will NOT make them meek and shy. What it will do is reduce the over population of unwanted animals in Amercia, many of whom are euthanized. Even if your pet has a litter and you find homes for all of them, each of those pets takes a potential home away from other homeless pets waiting in a shelter. In addition to this, there are also significant health benefits for your pet.
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
Prevents pregnancy and the complications arising from pregnancy and delivery
Eliminates the heat cycle in females
Prevents unwelcome males from trying to seek out your female pet in heat
Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.
Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system.
Reduces the distracting and destructive behavior associated with the male’s efforts to get out and find a mate
Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.
In cats, neutering may stop or reduce marking behavior (territorial spraying of urine).
Reduces the urge to fight.
There are many organizations, including Pet Pal’s Veterinary Clinic, that provide low cost spay/neutering services. You owe it to your animal.
So spay and neuter-it makes them even cuter!
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