Baby It’s Cold Outside

The holidays are not the only things approaching.  Winter is on the horizon and while you are putting on your warm coat and gloves, it is time to protect your ever-faithful furry companions from temperatures that dip below freezing, and the harsh environment that ensues.

Even though they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like humans.  The best way to protect pets during the winter months is simply to bring them inside.  Puppies, kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and any who might be vulnerable to the elements are definitely safer indoors. 

If keeping your dog and/or cat inside is not an option then consider providing a protected, insulated enclosure that will keep them safe from severe conditions.  The structure should not be made of metal, since it is a poor insulator.  Having it raised several inches off the ground and placed in a sunny area during the colder weather will assist in keeping the animal warmer.  Providing a flap over the entrance will aid in keeping out cold breezes.  In addition, bedding should be a thick padding of straw, since blankets, rugs, etc. have a tendency to get wet and freeze.

Keeping your pet well groomed and brushed regularly during the winter months will aid in keeping him warmer.  Knotted or matted hair does not insulate properly and puts the animal at risk.  In addition, never shave your dog in winter, a longer coat will provide extra warmth needed.  Shorthaired animals will benefit from a warm sweater or coat when going outside.  In addition, to protect paws from both snow and chemicals utilize booties.

Since puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, housebreaking may be difficult during these months.  It might be advisable to paper-train the pups inside until the weather warms.  If the dog is elderly or ill, again it is advisable that they only go outdoors for short potty break periods.

In cold weather, cats often take refuge under car hoods to be near warm engines.  Therefore, before starting your car, bang loudly on the hood or honk the horn, to give any cat a chance to escape and avoid serious or fatal injury.

Most people know pets left alone in a car during the heat of summer can die.  The same holds true during the cold of winter.  Cars can get as cold as any refrigerator’s freezer, and pets can easily perish.

Dogs, when snow or ice is on the ground, may lose scent and become disoriented; therefore, it is advisable never to let your dog off leash, especially during snowstorms.  More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure they always wear ID tags and are micro-chipped.

Always be sure to clean off your pet’s legs, feet, and stomach when they come in out of sleet, snow, or ice.  When the pet cleans itself if it ingests salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals it will become sick.  Antifreeze in any amount is a lethal poison for dogs and cats.  Be sure to immediately clean up spills from your vehicle and buy antifreeze made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.

Check dog's paws often while in snow.  If the dog is lifting his feet a lot, or seems to be walking strangely, chances are his feet are probably too cold or ice may be forming between the pads, which can lead to frostbite.

Seasonal changes can mean dietary changes for your pet.  In cold weather, animals burn more calories to keep warm.  If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he may need to have his food supply increased, especially protein portions.  However, if your dog is indoors most of the time with decreased activity, then fewer calories are required.  When in doubt, be sure to ask your vet about any dietary changes.  Fresh water is always crucial, be sure it is readily available and check often that it does not freeze.  Remember, pets cannot get enough water from licking ice or eating snow.

If your pet suffers from cold exposure and exhibits such symptoms as violent shivering, listlessness, muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing, and lack of appetite, wrap him in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible.  Do not immerse him in warm water and please avoid heating pads, which can cause burns.

Our pets can experience anything from mild discomfort to serious problems when the cold weather arrives.  Taking a few precautions can help in making the winter months comfortable for all.  

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Magnolia Bird Farm, Inc. Recalls Peanuts and Seed Mixes Because of Possible Health Risk

A recall ...
Magnolia Bird Farm, Inc. Recalls Peanuts and Seed Mixes Because of Possible Health Risk

★★★ WE NEED YOUR HELP DESPERATELY★★★

A PLEA FOR HELP!!!!!!

The Tehama Animal Care Center is FULL… VERY FULL ... You all see the strays that have been coming in and every day more arrive !... They need HELP… from people who are thinking ab

out adopting… anyone who knows someone looking for a wonderful pet… rescue organizations that can possibly take one more … if you are missing an animal, please check there first!...

SHARE AND CROSS POST.... GET THE WORD OUT... THEY NEED HELP! WE CANNOT SAY THIS ENOUGH!
So many great animals needing help… Can you do your part ?...… get the word out… Some of these wonderful animals can be found on PetFinder http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=CA255 Not all the pictures are there, so also please call 530-527-3439 with questions… or come look for a new family pet…or if you have lost one at 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA.

Thank you… All of us would appreciate any help you can give!

These are just some of the wonderful animals available for Adoption - Rescue - Foster

 

 

 

I am an Animal Rescuer *(ORIGINAL)* BY ANNETTE KING TUCKER♥

Every person who helps save an animal needs to see this... it's beautiful and says it all ...maybe others will be inspired...

What is a Service Animal?

What is a Service Animal?  Pets For Patriots has a wonderful article answering this question.

A Look Inside the Tehama County Animal Care Center

Tehama County has over 63,000 residents located in an area of almost 3,000 square miles.  Being aware of everything happening in this wonderful county can often be challenging.  Therefore, there are many who do not know of a small unassuming treasure and the individuals who make up its lifeblood in their midst. 

If ever there was a story of a little place that does big things, a modest cinderblock structure called the Tehama County Animal Care Center is it.  This tiny abode and five dedicated staff members manage to house and take care of approximately 100 -140 animals on any given day, every single day throughout the year.

The Center accepts all the neglected, homeless, and abused animals that enter through its doors.  Offering a warm place to lay weary heads, a regular meal to fill empty bellies and comforting caresses to battered brows it is a safe haven for so many who have not had one before.

Where might this beacon of hope be?  It is located in Red Bluff, situated at the back of the County complex parking lot at 1830 Walnut Street.  You would miss it if you were not looking for it.  There are no neon signs and it looks like many featureless government buildings.  However, the sounds emanating from within immediately seize attention.  The woofs and barks are hard to miss.  In addition, if paying attention, a glimpse might be seen of a dog romping with either a potential adopter or valued volunteer.

While reflecting on the horror stories read or heard about with regard to many “animal shelters” throughout the U.S., visiting this one becomes the last place most wish to go.  However, this Center is worth a stop.  It is not the dark dungeon we hear about, nor is it reeking of fear and filth while filled with uncaring staff.

On any typical day, when entering, one immediately notices not only how bright but also how clean the place is.  Often a furry face is peeking over the secretary’s gate, a current resident sitting amid toys speckled about.  Looking across the lobby, kittens are scampering within their glass enclosure, playing without a care in the world.  Walk down the hallway to the kennels and what is flanking the walls are an abundance of pictures of former residents and notes of thanks by their very happy adopters. 

A flurry of activity often pervades the building.  Pups abandoned are brought by local enforcement and are admitted, county residents arrive to renew pet’s licenses, volunteers gather treats and amble to the next of the many dogs to be exercised, phones are answered as well as the multitude of questions asked and endless cleaning is done in steady rhythm.  It is apparent; this is definitely not a place of doom and gloom.

What about the people who come each day to care for these lost souls?  Is it all just a job or is it a calling?  You be the judge.

 

Lisa Bramley is usually the first person you meet upon entering.  The proud guardian of many of her own animals, her motivation is to help give the homeless that arrive and cannot speak for themselves a strong voice.

 

Mark Storrey, Manager of the Tehama County Animal Care Center works diligently to ensure the best possible quality of life for all animals that enter.  He strives to promote the humane care and well-being of all the animals through adoption, education, and action.  His belief that people should have compassion for animals above all else is echoed daily in his deeds. 

Michelle Highley, a dedicated animal lover, believes every occupant at the Center should be somebody’s very special pet.  When one of her "furry friends" ends up in a loving home she knows they deserve, she takes immense satisfaction about her contribution to their happy outcome. 

 

Trish Strickland, extremely passionate about the animals under her care, wants nothing more than to change the lives of all those that come into the Center for the better.  Totally focused on their humane treatment, she believes strongly that she can make a huge difference in their present and future existence.

Wally Ziegler, quiet and unassuming is sometimes not easily noticed by those who come through.  However, what you cannot help pay attention to is his unfailing commitment and fondness for the animals in his care.  He positively shines in all his interactions with them.

It is time to change perspective.  It is time to see your Animal Care Center.  It really is time to meet the little place that does big things.  In the process, you just might also meet a new best friend.

Loca, the pug that couldn't run

Funny!... You don't have to enjoy Pugs to enjoy this!

Loca, the pug that couldn't run

Three-legged dog helps UK boy, 7, get over his fear of going outside - What's On Sanya

A wonderful story...

Three-legged dog helps UK boy, 7, get over his fear of going outside - What's On Sanya

How To Pet A Pup Or Meet A Mutt

An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year and out of the 800,000 who seek medical attention for bites; half of these are children.  Many of these bites can be easily avoided by learning some simple things.

Dog behavior IS NOT the same as humans.  They can interpret many of the actions we view as friendly as being hostile.  Remember, when an animal is in a situation not familiar to them they will often be fearful and quite self-protective.  When they feel threatened they will do what is instinctual and normal for them.  Therefore, whether you are approaching a strange dog to help it, or are meeting your friend’s new pooch, the following tips and signals can help you correctly introduce yourself to any dog you do not know.

One of the signals that people often find misleading is a wagging tail.  A happy dog usually wags his tail and gets his whole playful body involved.  A dog who is about to bite usually has his tail pointed high,  moving it quickly back and forth and his body is rigid.

When dogs are afraid, you may see the hair (hackles) on their backs stand up.  For some, it may be just the hair on the back of the neck between the shoulders.  On others, the hair stands up for the entire length of their backs.  If you see hackles raised, back off.

Body language is a sure give away about a dog,s attitude.  A dog that is comfortable usually has a relaxed body with his ears low and a happy, wagging tail.  An aggressive dog is just the opposite.  His entire body goes stiff, and his ears and tail are raised high.  If you reach out to pet a dog, and his entire body immediately freezes rather than trying to get closer to you, he is definitely not pleased and it is time to move away SLOWLY.

If you notice a dog is licking his lips (when food is not involved), yawning, or turning his head to avoid meeting your gaze, he is again talking to you.  These signs let you know that the dog is not comfy with what is going on around them.  Keep remembering, a dog who distressed is often more likely to bite.

Scared dogs do not always bite, but it the likelihood is increased.  If you encounter a dog who cowers away from you, has his tail tucked between his legs and the ears flattened against his head, back off and let him approach you.

So, how do we approach a new animal without causing trauma to the animal or injury to ourselves?  ALWAYS ASK IF IT IS OKAY TO TOUCH SOMEONE’S DOG.  If an owner is not present, do not approach, touch, or attempt to move a dog.  Instead, get assistance from those who have experience handling animals (e.g.  Animal control officers, veterinary professionals, etc.).

When meeting an unknown dog for the first time, allow the dog to come to you.  Crouch down and turn to the side, avoiding direct eye contact.  Let him sniff your hand before you begin to pet him.  After the dog has thoroughly sniffed your hand, pet his chest, first.  Our first instinct is to pet the dog on the top of his head and shoulders.  Putting yourself over his head and shoulders, in dog language, states that you are trying to establish dominance.  Therefore, first pet the dog's chest, before moving up to shoulders and sides.  As you are petting, speak softly and soothingly to the dog and if you know his name, use it.  DO NOT ever put your face close to an unknown dog. 

If you are carrying anything in your hands, slowly set it down on the ground an arm’s length away from you and to the side, and allow the dog to sniff it.  This will help reassure him it is not something that you might use to hurt him.

Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.  Dog in these situations can become startled easily and are likely to be extremely protective of their food and youngsters.  In addition, NEVER leave young children or babies alone with a dog for any reason.  They like to give "hugs and kisses” which often makes dogs quite uncomfortable.

Remember, the observance of a few simple actions and signs can make a large difference in how the initial meet and greet between you and Fido goes.