Organization NewsletterThe following articles are from past newsletters:
Cold Weather Concerns For Pets
If you live in a cold climate, special precautions need to be taken in regard to pet care during the winter months. It is best to keep pets indoors, but if a pet must be outside, provide adequate shelter so the animal can stay warm and dry. Check the bedding regularly to make sure it is dry. A dog or cat can benefit from a shelter that is roomy, yet small enough for its own body heat to maintain warmth within the structure.In cold weather, keep in mind that cats are notorious for seeking warm places. Cats have been known to crawl under car hoods to enjoy the warmth of a car engine. This scenario can spell disaster for our feline friends. Even if your cat is indoors, someone else's cat could crawl under your car's hood. The simple act of knocking on your car's hood or a quick honk of the horn before you start the engine could save a cat from terrible injury or death. Be aware that cats have also been known to take shelter in trash dumpsters.
If your pet is out in the snow for even a short time, ice balls can form in its fur and between their toes causing a great deal of discomfort. If your pet has been walking in areas where salt or snow melting chemicals have been used, it would be wise to clean your pet's feet to avoid the possibility of them licking the substance off of their feet.
Dogs with extremely short fur such as Dobermans, Greyhounds, Boxers and the like, should wear a coat when outside in very cold weather unless they are only outside long enough to relieve themselves. Vigorous outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather can be detrimental to the health of small dogs with very short fur such as chihuahuas.
Antifreeze is a deadly hazard that attracts many animals. Drinking just a small amount of it can be fatal. Promptly clean up antifreeze that may leak from a car engine. Provide water outdoors for your pet or birds to drink, checking regularly to make sure it is not frozen. This will discourage animals from drinking out of puddles or gutters which may contain spilled antifreeze. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning such as depression, vomiting and unexplained nervous system disorders can occur within 30 minutes or may not appear for 12 hours. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, consult your veterinarian quickly when symptoms first appear to avoid kidney failure and eventual death.
Winter weather can be a great hardship for our feathered friends. Surprisingly, clean, unfrozen water may be a very appreciated item that you can provide for wild birds. Since food sources can also be very scarce, put out food where they can feast without being threatened by cats sneaking up on them. Millet seed, black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn and cracked nuts are excellent items to offer them. Cut apples in half and put outside in freezing weather. Many birds feast on them. Your generosity may be rewarded by many hours of bird watching as a variety of birds visit your feeding station.
"Cisco" A Small Pup With Big Talents!
Early in his life, a small mixed breed puppy received financial assistance from People For Abandoned Pets for the all important neutering procedure. "Cisco" a cute little Chihuahua/Poodle mix, healed quickly after being neutered. Although still a puppy, Cisco already has more talents than the average dog. He is housebroken, knows a couple tricks and is bilingual. According to his owner, Karen, Cisco can follow commands in Spanish as well as English. Besides being a precious canine companion, the talented Cisco alerts his owner to sounds she is unable to hear such as the fire/smoke alarm. And more amazingly, he is able to alert Karen when she is having an insulin reaction. Many animals have been known for extraordinary talents. It's nice to hear about one in our own community. Thank you Karen, for sharing your story!
Contact information:
People For Abandoned Pets (PFAP)
P.O.Box 70025
Bellevue WA 98005Phone: (425)453-9222
E-mail: jessjean@worldnet.att.net
