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Pet Care

Photo by Tony Bullocks

Page 2D • Pet Care 2018

PET

FACTS

GENERAL 68% of U.S. households have at least one companion animal.

32% of U.S. households have a combination of dogs and cats.

Avg. number of veterinarian visits during past 12 months: Dog 2.7, Cat 2.2, Bird 3.1 10% of dog owners & 5% of cat owners currently have health insurance for their pets.

11% of pet owners say that their pets are allowed at their workplace.

65% of dog owners, 64% of cat owners, and 53% of horse owners own multiple pets because they believe pets are companions for one another.

If their pet died, 20% of pet owners would get another pet within one week; 27% would get another pet within one month.

Horse, bird, and fish owners are most-likely to financially provide for their pets in wills.

Source: 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association.

PET ADOPTION - Approximately 6.5 million pets enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide each year. Of those, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.

- Approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized each year (around 670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats).

- Approximately 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year (around 1.6 million dogs and 1.6 million cats).

- About 710,000 animals that enter shelters each year were picked up as strays and end up being returned to their owners. Of those, 620,000 are dogs and only 90,000 are cats.

- The most common reasons people relinquish or give away their pets: 1. because their place of residence does not allow pets 2. they have a family member with allergies.

MOST COMMON SOURCES WHERE PETS ARE OBTAINED DOGS - Breeder 25%, Friend or Relative 25%, Shelter 22% CATS - Stray (caught/found) 32%, Shelter 28%, Friend or Relative 26% BIRDS - Pet Store 51%, Bird Specialty Store 21%, Friend or Relative 20% REPTILES - Pet Store 57%, Friend or Relative 22%, Stray (caught/found) 15% Source: 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association.

Source: ASPCA

ANIMAL CRUELTY - 60% of all animal abuse cases involve dogs.

- Most common types of animal abuse: neglect, shooting, and poisoning.

- More than 250,000 animals fall victim to hoarding each year.

- There is a connection with domestic violence. A survey of the 50 largest shelters for battered women in the U.S. found that 85% of women & 63% of children entering the shelter described pet abuse in the family.

Source: ASPCA

TOP BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS OF PETS

Benefits: CATS - On average, a fertile cat produces 1-2 litters per year with an - Companionship, Company, Love, Affection average of 4-6 kittens per litter.

- Fun to watch, have in household DOGS - On average, a fertile dog produces one litter per year with Drawbacks: an average of 4-6 puppies per litter.

- Sadness when they die SPAY/NEUTER - Only 10% of animals received in shelters have - Shedding been spayed or neutered.

Source: ASPCA

Source: 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association.

PET CARE | RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

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Pet Care 2018 • Page 3D

Spay and Neuter

id you now that the cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year? The decision to go through with this procedure for your beloved pet is a smart one.

Spaying and neutering pets is the only permanent, fully effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

Research has shown that having your pet spayed or neutered can have many positive effects, including a reduction in the number of homeless pets killed, an improvement in bad behavior and an overall boost to your pet’s health.

According to a 2013 article in USA Today, pets who live in the states with the highest rates of spaying and neutering also live the longest. Researchers found that neutered male dogs lived 18 percent longer than unaltered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23 percent longer than unaltered female dogs.

REDUCING PET HOMELESSNESS The number of homeless animals is a result of so many pets not being spayed or neutered. In the U.S., there are an estimated 6 to 8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals.

Further ASPCA research has found that as many as 300,000 homeless animals are euthanized in animal shelters every year in some states. Nationwide, more than 2.7 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually.

IMPROVING YOUR PET’S HEALTH Choosing to spay or neuter your pets can decrease their urge to roam, which reduces their chance of fighting with other animals, getting struck by cars and getting into other dangerous situations.

According to the ASPCA, un-spayed female cats and dogs have a far greater chance of developing fatal uterine infections, uterine cancer and other cancers of the reproductive system.

Consider all of the aforementioned facts, as well as any guidance your veterinarian gives you, when making the best decision for you and your pet. © FOTOLIA

Page 4D • Pet Care 2018

Saving on Pet Care Costs

H

ealthcare for your pet can be a major expense. Veterinarians use sophisticated medical technology to ensure a long, healthy life for your four-legged family member. This type of treatment comes at a cost.

Keeping your pet healthy with regular checkups can be effective in preventing emergency visits and higher bills. As a pet owner you are responsible for keeping your pet safe and healthy. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid costly appointments.

Regular Check-Ups An annual check-up can make the difference in preventing serious illnesses or forking over big bucks to treat an illness. Keep in mind that it is much cheaper to protect your pet from common illnesses than is to treat an infection.

It is also risky to withhold your pet from its check-ups.

These appointments can catch health issues in your pet before they become a real problem.

During these check-ups, it is likely your pet will receive its annual vaccines. While some vaccines are optional, be sure to get your vet’s opinion on which shots should be administered. Depending on your pet’s medical history, your vet can recommend which vaccines are most important.

Flea and Tick Prevention Parasites are a serious danger to your pets. They can cause medical problems that range from discomfort to life-threat-

ening blood loss. Preventing fleas and ticks is as easy as applying a topical ointment or giving your pet a pill once a month. Purchasing these medicines in bulk will be considerably less expensive than purchasing them monthly.

Talk to your vet about which type of medicine will be the most effective in preventing parasites among your pets.

Discuss any potential side effects that may come with the different types of medicines.

Pet Health Insurance For Americans, health insurance is now required by law.

You may be overwhelmed by the cost of health insurance for your family. Luckily, health insurance for your pet is much more affordable and can help you save money on preventive maintenance and emergency situations.

According to Pet Insurance Quotes, the average American will pay $41 per month for a pet insurance plan in 2016. This premium may be higher or lower depending on the coverage selected, your pet’s age and its medical history. Having an insured pet will lessen the amount of stress you will already feel during an emergency situation.

PetSmart Charities®

National Adoption Weekend May 18-20, 2018 601 Texas St. | Clovis, NM | (575) 219-3405 Join us at PetSmart and help save a life by adopting a homeless pet.

Pet Care 2018 • Page 5D

Page 6D • Pet Care 2018

Pets Available for Adoption “Gus Gus”

“Clarissa”

Maryanne

Brought to you by

High Plains Humane Society “Gus Gus” is about 7 years old and has had a tough life. He has had a severe neck injury.

He needs to go to a gentle home with no kids.

An older couple would be ideal!

CINDY’S HOPE FOR PRECIOUS PAWS Clovis, NM Find us on Facebook!

Clarissa is a young female domestic short hair found in Clovis. She’s very sweet and gentle, and all she wants is a warm, loving home!

CITY OF CLOVIS ANIMAL SHELTER 2203 East Brady Ave., Clovis, NM 88101

Maryanne is a VERY special girl who deserves a family that will understand her. She has a horrible separation anxiety. She loves to snuggle, play, and run. She’s a super companion!

Open Mon-Fri 10:00 am—4:30 pm

Clovis, NM Find us on Facebook!

575-769-7893

www.facebook.com/HPHSNM

CINDY’S HOPE FOR PRECIOUS PAWS

Pet Care 2018 • Page 7D

Pets Available for Adoption “Camila”

“Benny”

Brought to you by

Brought to you by

High Plains Humane Society

High Plains Humane Society

“Shy” Brought to you by: High

Plains Humane Society

Camila is a scared little girl, Chihuahua, that can’t wait to be loved by someone. She’s ready for someone to give her a furr-ever home!

CITY OF CLOVIS ANIMAL SHELTER 2203 East Brady Ave., Clovis, NM 88101

Shy is a young, female German Shepard Mix. She’s very sweet and shy. She’d be great for a family that will cuddle and love on her.

CITY OF PORTALES ANIMAL SHELTER 1700 N Boston Ave., Portales, NM 88130

Benny is a male domestic shorthair that loves to play! He’s ready to join your family today and give you with years of love and affection.

CITY OF CLOVIS ANIMAL SHELTER 2203 East Brady Ave., Clovis, NM 88101

Open Mon-Fri 10:00 am—4:30 pm

Open Mon-Sat 9:00 am—3:00 pm

Open Mon-Fri 10:00 am—4:30 pm

575-769-7893

www.facebook.com/HPHSNM

575-356-4404

www.facebook.com/HPHSNM

575-769-7893

www.facebook.com/HPHSNM

Important Numbers!

Animal Cruelty Hotline/APNM: 1-877-548-6263 Animal Poison Control Center/ASPCA: 1-888-426-4435 City of Clovis Animal Control/Shelter: 575-769-7893 City of Portales Animal Control/Shelter: 575-356-4404 Dog Fighting Hotline/Humane Society of the US: 1-877-847-4787 Emergency Vet/After Hours - Clovis Veterinary Hospital: 575-769-2249 High Plains Humane Society: 575-693-7973

Page 8D • Pet Care 2018

PET CARE | A NEW HOME

The Benefits of Dog Adoption

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hen wanting to bring a new dog home to become a part of the family, many people go to a pet store or breeder to pick out a puppy.

While that works fine for some families, a more heartwarming option can be choosing to adopt your new pet from an animal shelter or rescue organization.

Dog adoptions are a popular, affordable way to bring a new pet home, and they also help to solve a big problem in America: pet overpopulation. Whether because of abuse, neglect or simply the changing life circumstances of their owners, a huge number of dogs find themselves without a home at some point in their lives.

It’s a sad problem, but it’s one you can help solve.

VISIT THE SHELTER

A trip to your local animal shelter can be a great place to start. You’ll quickly see whether they have any dogs that would be a good fit for your family.

Obviously, you’ll want a dog that you’ll fall in love with. Their size, behaviors and personality quirks should all be compatible with you.

Beyond that, you have to ask yourself an important question: are you compatible with the dog?

Consider where you live and whether you’ll have the space, resources and temperament to take care of your new pet for many years to come. After all, you want to provide the dog’s “forever home,” helping it never experience the misfortune of abandonment again. And that’s a huge commitment.

Some pets at the shelter will be fully house-trained and well-behaved.

Most, though, will require some

patient training over time and perhaps even ongoing medical care. You should find out as much as possible about the dog before you make the commitment to adopt.

While some people assume shelters are filled with “problem dogs” that will be difficult to retrain, that’s simply not the case. In fact, compared to buying a puppy — complete with all the months of gnawing on furniture and house-training accidents — adopting an adult dog can make for a much easier adjustment process.

about your future pet. There’s only so much you can learn by seeing a pet in a shelter environment, but seeing how it behaves in an actual home environment — and being able to talk to the foster parents in detail — gives you a much better picture about what to expect from the dog in your own home.

And if you have a specific breed of dog in mind, some rescue groups specialize in just one type of dog. There are rescue organizations for all kinds of dog breeds, although you may have

RESCUE GROUPS

An increasingly popular option is turning to an animal rescue group to adopt your next pet.

There are all kinds of rescue organizations available to help match you with your future pet. Some are similar to public animal shelters with their own building to house dogs waiting for adoption, although most have a strict “no-kill” policy to avoid euthanization.

Many of them use a foster-care system to take care of the animals. Volunteers will take abandoned dogs into their homes until a permanent owner can be found, which can be a huge advantage if you want to know more

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to travel to find one that focuses on the breed you’re interested in adopting. A quick online search can help you find where they’re located.

One of the most popular types of single-breed rescue groups helps find homes for greyhounds. There are hundreds of greyhounds used in racing that need to find new homes once their career on the track comes to an end, and these organizations help place them with loving families that will care for them into their old age.

Overall, there are plenty of benefits to pet adoption. When you adopt an adult dog, you avoid many of the problems that can occur when raising a puppy, and with some research, you’ll know what to expect when you bring the dog home with you.

And, of course, there’s the satisfaction of knowing you’re providing a loving home to an animal that deserves it.

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Pet Safety

ou can never be too diligent in prioritizing your pet’s safety. Stay aware of the most common safety concerns for pets year round, and it is less likely you will find your pet in need of emergency care.

Heat Safety

Pets are exposed to many of the same safety concerns in the heat as their owners. They are prone to heat exhaustion as well as heat stroke.

It is important to keep your pet cool and hydrated. Make sure your pet always has access to plenty of fresh, cool water and an area where it can rest in the shade (or in air-conditioning).

Warmer weather also is the time to take precautionary measures against fleas and ticks. Be sure to stay up to date with your pet’s flea and tick preventive, as well as heartworm preventative medications.

Pet Care 2018 • Page 9D

Cold-Weather Safety

Pets face just as many safety concerns in cold temperatures as they do in hot temperatures. Ice and snow — even freezing pavement — can be very painful to your cat or dog’s paws.

It is important to dry your pet’s paws after any time outside, and look for any cracks or dry patches. Purchasing boots for your dog is always an option, but applying petroleum jelly is another great and inexpensive alternative.

Also be mindful of your pet feeling cold. Cats and many shorthaired dogs need time to acclimate to colder weather, and don’t need to be outside for extended periods of time.

Holiday Safety The holidays come with their own safety hazards for pets.

Decor such as tinsel and ornaments can be dangerous and should be hung out of reach. If you keep a live Christmas tree, be sure to place a tight skirt around its base to prevent your pet from drinking the tree water.

Also be mindful of strings of lights by tucking cords out of reach and using outlet surge protectors.

PET CARE | PREVENTION Page 10D • Pet Care 2018

Vaccines For Your Pet J

ust like humans, pets are able to receive vaccines to prevent illness. Vaccines have been considered as one of the most effective ways to keep your pet in peak health. Talk to your veterinarian to determine which vaccines will be the most beneficial to your pet.

Vaccines are used to prepare your pet’s immune system to fight incoming diseases. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that these vaccines use an antigen to trick your pet’s immune system into believing a disease is present.

An antigen is a toxin that creates a response from an immune system without causing an actual disease. This prepares your pet’s body to recognize and fight off an actual attack of this simulated disease.

WHEN TO VACCINATE You will need to talk to your pet’s primary veterinarian to determine the best time to vaccinate. There are different variables that will determine the frequency. These variables include the type of vaccine, your pet’s age, medical history and its lifestyle.

Puppies and kittens receive most of the antibodies they need to fight off disease from their mother’s milk. This means once your pet has been weaned from nursing, it is time to consult a vet and begin vac- vaccine. Some require the vaccines to replace the antibodies cine to be administered annuthey are no longer receiving. ally, while some require it every three years. Consult with TYPES OF VACCINES your vet to determine the There are certain vaccines requirements of your state’s that most states require by law. law.

For instance, almost all states A case of parvovirus can be require a mandatory rabies deadly for a new puppy. It is

© FOTOLIA

recommended to begin your puppy on the anti-parvovirus vaccine between six and eight weeks of age. Other common vaccines for dogs include distemper and canine hepatitis.

Cats also are commonly given rabies shots as well as feline leukemia vaccines.

RISKS OF VACCINATING Giving your pet a vaccination will mildly stimulate its immune system. This may make your pet become a bit sluggish or even cause a slight fever. This is normal, but you can relieve any worry by scheduling a visit with your

vet.

The ASPCA states that in most cases, the risks of side effects are much smaller than the risk of the actual disease.

Be upfront and clear with your vet about your pet’s medical history before beginning vaccinations.

Pet Care 2018 • Page 11D

PET CARE | FELINES

Helping Cats with Allergies

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s your cat sneezing more often than purring?

Scratching more frequently than cuddling? Allergies may be to blame.

The quicker you identify and eliminate the culprit behind your cat’s reactions, the sooner she will be back to her cute old self.

When a cat has allergies, her immune system is overly sensitive and susceptible to everyday substances. Most of these allergens are common in most environments, but they can have major impacts on the comfort level and overall health of your favorite feline.

an allergic reaction, your cat will undergo a physical examination and possibly skin or blood tests to find the cause.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a spe-

cial elimination diet, restricting certain aspects of your cat’s daily food intake to identify and mitigate any dietary issues that may be triggering the reactions.

SYMPTOMS

You may notice your cat sneezing or coughing more often when it is struggling with allergies.

Increased scratching is also a telltale sign of an irritation that may be caused by an allergic reaction. A food allergy can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well.

If you notice these symptoms – along with any paw chewing or swollen paws – it is important to retrace the past few days of your cat’s activities. This will help you identify potential causes and prepare you for a conversation with your veterinarian.

CAUSES

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the following substances are usually to blame for allergic reactions in cats: • Pollens from trees, grass or weeds • Mold, mildew and dust spores • Certain types of food • Fleas and/or topical flea-control products • Cleaning products used around the home • Cigarette smoke • Certain fabrics, rubber or plastic materials

ACTION

At the onset of any behavior you think may be linked to allergies, visit your veterinarian for a checkup.

Just like a human trying to get to the bottom of

© FOTOLIA / AP

Page 12D • Pet Care 2018