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PAW PRINTS
ST. LAWRENCE VALLEY SPCA NEWSLETTER-SUMMER 2007
YOUR PERFECT PET IS HERE!
www.STLawrenceValleySPCA.org
Shelter Hours:
Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 1:00-4:00PM
Thurs 2:00-6:00PM
Closed Sun, Mon and some holidays
Spay/Neuter Now…is a non-profit organization that helps obtain low cost spay/neuter for qualifying applicants. Applications can be picked up at the SPCA Shelter, 6718 SH 68, Ogdensburg, NY during regular open hours, by calling 324-5969, accessing the Span/Neuter Now website at www.spayneuternow.org or by e-mailing spayneutrenow@yahoo.com. Please be a responsible pet owner and have your pets spayed or neutered. Perhaps you know someone who needs the program. Prevent an unwanted litter!
Before surrendering an animal, please call the Shelter during regular working hours to make arrangemnets to bring the animal in. We make every effort to take in an animal as soon as possible. However, sometimes space isn't available and you'll be asked to be on a wainting list. Please work with us. If you have a stray dog, you must call the Dog Control Office in your town. Wayne Ashley is the Dog Control Office for the City of Ogdensburg. His phone number is 393-1555. All other towns must call their Town Supervisor of Clerk for the correct information. They are listed in the Transwestern and Verizon Superpages directories in the Blue Pages.
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Adoption Fees: Cats: $50 Dogs: $75
This fee includes spay/neuter, distemper, parvo and upper respiratory vaccinations. Animals will be checked for worms, fleas, ticks and other parasites and treated if necessary. Cats can be tested for feline leukemia for an additional $10.00 fee.
Shelter Wish List
- · Canned cat food.
- · Purina Kitten Chow Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food
- · Bleach, Laundry Soap and Dish Soap
- · Kitty Litter, Kitty Litter & Kitty Litter
- · Towels, Blankets and Comforters
Tips for Introducing a Second Cat
When adding a second (or third or fourth) cat to your household, don’t be discouraged if the initial introduction is not smooth. Cats are territorial but if you handle the introduction in a way that both the resident cat and the new comer feel comfortable it will be an easier process:
Prepare a Sanctuary Room: The new comer will have a secure place away from the other cat(s) and this will help him get his bearings and feel more secure. It will also help reduce your resident cat’s feeling of being threatened.
Don’t Rush Things: Before an actual introduction, let the new cat get to know his sanctuary room. Let your resident cat get used to the idea that someone new is in her house. Take things slowly and don’t force the issue.
Create Positive Associations: Give the cats a reason to like each other. Let them see each other for very brief periods while being offered something irresistible. Keep them far enough apart that they are both comfortable. As soon as they’ve eaten, separate them and do another session later.
Never Leave Cats to “Fight It Out”: Not only can they get hurt but it may damage any hope of a peaceful coexistence later on. If you take the introduction process slowly they will never feel so threatened that combat is a certainty. Keep an interactive toy handy to use for distraction if things get tense.
Create an Environment for Two: Even in a small space there can be enough room for two cats: two litter boxes, two eating areas, two or more cozy napping areas. Allow for each cat’s preferences.
Each situation is different so don’t get discouraged if it takes time for your cats to become friends. Invest the time now so your cats can enjoy a lifetime of companionship.
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Did You Know?...Macadamia nuts are a popular snack food for humans but they can cause significant clinical signs if ingested by dogs…the only species in which macadamia nut toxicosis has been documented. Dogs ingesting macadamia nuts may vomit, become weak or lethargic and experience tremors and hypothermia. Other reported signs include joint and muscle pain. Although unpleasant, the syndrome is not usually life threatening. If ingestion is suspected call your Veterinarian. – Clinicians’ Brief June 2007
Controlling Pet Allergies
One of the most common reasons people give for surrendering their pets is allergies. Don’t blame your allergy symptoms on hair or feathers. The real culprits are proteins found in your pet’s saliva, urine, glandular secretions and dander. There are lots of ways to keep your best friend from turning into your worst nightmare.
- · Set Boundaries: Ban you pets from the bedroom, keeping the door closed so there are not sneak visits while you’re away. If you breathe well for eight hours, you’ll be better able to deal with your allergies the next day. Keep windows closed and the room uncluttered. Encase mattresses, box springs, pillows and comforters in zippered, mite proof covers.
- · Use Filters: High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters work so well they’re used by NASA. They can help eliminate airborne allergens in the home. Use HEPA filters in air ducts, vacuum cleaners and buy HEPA air purifiers for your bedroom and the rooms your pets inhabit.
- · Replace Drapes: The greatest source of allergens at home is the dander trapped in carpets and drapes. Replace carpets with hardwood or tile flooring, drapes with blinds and use slip covers on couches and chairs.
- · Brush or Comb Frequently: Keep your pets brushed regularly. Washing your dog once a week in a pH-balanced shampoo will help eliminate dander. For cats wet a washcloth with a nontoxic, allergen-removal solution and gently wipe his fur. Wear a cup shaped face mask when grooming your pets.
- · Get a Shot: While over the counter medications can relieve symptoms, allergy shots work like a vaccine. As the body builds up tolerance to increasing doses, symptoms typically improve within a year.
- · Be Patient: Some allergy sufferers will, over time, develop a tolerance for the animals they live with. Studies have shown that children who are in regular contact with animals develop a stronger immune system and suffer less upper respiratory problems than those who are not.
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- Presidential Pets…Franklin D. Roosevelt’s most famous canine companion was his Scottish Terrier, Fala, who is part of the Roosevelt Memorial in Washington DC. But during Roosevelt’s 12 years and one month in office, 11 dogs lived in the White House. They included a Bullmastiff, two Red Setters, a Retriever, a Bulldog, a Llewellin Setter, a Scottish Terrier, a Great Dane, a Sheepdog and a German Shepard who tried to rip the pants off the British Prime Minister.
The largest and the smallest dogs to have lived in the White House where both there during the tenure of President James Buchanan. The President had a Newfoundland named Lara. His niece, Harriet Lane (who served as the White House hostess because the President was a bachelor) had a tiny toy terrier named Punch.
Abraham Lincoln loved cats and had four of them while he lived in the White House. Lucy Webb Hayes, wife of Rutherford B. Hayes, is the first person recorded to own a Siamese cat in the U.S.
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Dog Fighting in the USA
The conviction of NFL player Michael Vick on charges of illegal dog fighting and animal cruelty has brought this horrendous practice front and center to the American public. Law enforcement agencies are stepping up their investigations and arrests and we can only hope that the momentum keeps up and our judicial system can successfully put a stop to it. For in-depth information on this issue go to www.hsus.org or www.aspca.org for the complete story.
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Keep Your Pets Away From Antifreeze
While it is commonly known that less than 2 ounces of ethylene glycol can kill a dog and even less can kill a cat, antifreeze remains the most common cause of poisoning in small animals. Because it is sweet to the taste, animals are attracted to it. A few licks can be poisonous if it is left somewhere where animals can get at it, including in a puddle in the driveway, street or garage. Most brands of antifreeze consist of 95% ethylene glycol, so it is extremely toxic to pets and it is also hazardous to small children. It is critical that antifreeze be collected and disposed of immediately and properly. If you are working on a vehicle at home, never leave a bucket or other open container unattended even for a moment. If you see a spill, immediately flush the area with water or sprinkle sand or cat litter on it and if it’s from a leak, fix the leak promptly.
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Tips for bonding With Your Dog
- · Let him know he is a member of the family. All members of the family should make him feel wanted.
- · Speak to him in soft, kind tones. He may not know what you are saying but he will understand your tone.
- · Spend quality time together. Try to set aside a designated time each day devoted entirely to him. Take a walk or a ride in the car. He enjoys your company.
- · Try to make feeding time special. You are giving him a gift and he loves you for it.
- · Make bathing time fun. Try to make bathing time fun. Really, really try to make bathing time fun.
- · Establish boundaries with a firm, fair hand. You will gain his respect and deepen your bond.
- · Teach him to obey basic commands and learn to read his body language.
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- A sincere thank you to all who have supported the Shelter and contributed to the care and well being of our animals. Your friendship is appreciated by us all.
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