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​Paw Prints

A blog by the friendly folks at ​Midland Humane Coalition

How to Keep Your Pets Safe From Pests

12/17/2020

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Our animals are such a joy in our lives. Naturally, we want all of them to be safe from any potential threat like harmful people, other animals, or toxic foods. Most people don’t think of bugs or pests in that category, but they can be just as threatening. 

Household pests may seem like more of a nuisance, but they can be incredibly dangerous to pets if we don’t keep an eye out. Bugs like venomous spiders, mosquitoes, ticks, and even cockroaches have been known to hurt pets when bitten or ingested. Thankfully, there are ways to protect our pets from these creatures! 



​Following these guidelines will help you be confident that your new cat or dog will have a safe place to call home after adopting them from the Midland Humane Coalition.
​
1. Seal up Cracks and Crevices
Just like humans, bugs need a way to get into our homes. They can come through an open door, but they often enter through small cracks and crevices in the house. Cats and dogs don’t have much of a filter on what they eat, which could be dangerous. Take a look around doorways, corners of the floor, closets, and windows for any gaps or cracks. 

To seal these up, do the following:
  1. Buy silicone caulk and a caulk gun from a local store.
  2. Load the caulk into the caulk gun
  3. Apply over cracks or small gaps.
  4. Wipe away any excess with a rag or baby wipe. 
  5. Let dry. 

This will seal up the entry points and effectively prevent the majority of pests from entering your home.

2. Clean Often
Cleaning your home will directly benefit both you and your animal. Dirty dishes, clutter, loose water, and food all attract pests. Clutter provides the perfect place to hide, and food and water provide sustenance for bugs. The cleaner your house, the better for your pet. 

3. Hire a Trusted Pest Control Service
Texas is known for its wide variety of pests. The hot, humid weather makes it the perfect place for pests to flourish. If you still have pest problems after sealing up cracks and cleaning, it’s time to think about pest control. Companies like Fox Pest Control work hard to safely exterminate frustrating and potentially dangerous pests. Good pest control companies will use pet-friendly products to minimize any risk of harm. To be extra cautious, they will provide guidelines on how long to keep your animal away from treated areas to ensure your pet is healthy and safe. 

Be Safe and Don’t Stress
You should be able to enjoy that cute newest member of your family without worrying about their safety. The Midland Humane Coalition cares deeply about protecting the pets you adopt and trusts you with that responsibility. Simply check the boxes of steps 1 through 3, and you’re one step closer to creating the perfect home for your new furry friend. ​

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Article contributed by Latessa Jacobs, Fox Pest Control 
Visit their website on www.foxpest-midland.com or call them at (432) 653-5264
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The Christmas Puppy

12/17/2020

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We’ve all seen the commercials on television—big brown eyes peering from a box under the Christmas tree.  The family squealing with delight over this special present that proves once and for all “there is a Santa Claus.”

But what happens after Christmas is not so enchanting. Puppies pee (often on the expensive rug), puppies chew (sometimes the leg of the antique table) puppies dig (yep, your pride and joy flower bed) and they cry in the night when you are trying to sleep because they are a puppy. 


It takes patience and love to get through the puppy stage.  It takes an owner who is willing to work with and watch a puppy—just like you would a toddler.

Many people are not prepared or even want to deal with a puppy. Then the cute little puppy is often banned to the backyard, taken to a shelter or illegally “dropped off” somewhere. 

Even if your household makes it through the puppy stage, a dog is a fifteen or better year commitment.  They require your love, time and money. And when they get old, they often revert to the puppy stage of urinating in the house and they may require even more of your money for vet bills.

For those of us who love dogs and have no desire to live in a home without them, it is worth it! For many people it is not! There is no shame there.  The shame is in getting the puppy when you are not ready!

A puppy is not a toy!  Please never give one as a gift without the recipient’s knowledge of the forthcoming gift and readiness to care for it.  Also, if a puppy is a Christmas gift to a family with children, the children will not be the ones caring for it. They are simply not equipped.  

When your family is ready to welcome a dog into your home, begin teaching responsibility for caring for an animal and visiting shelters and rescues to choose one that will hopefully be a member of your family, bringing you joy and love, for many, many years.   ​


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Shelia Huffman, Contributor
Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.
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Protect Your Pets from the Cold

12/17/2020

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As the weather gets colder, make sure your pets are indoors and protected from the cold. Dogs and cats are not immune to freezing temperatures just because they have coats covering their bodies. 

Baby, it’s cold outside -- and if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your pets.

​Dogs and cats usually fare better than their masters outdoors due to their coats, but freezing weather can still lead to frostbite and hypothermia in minutes.



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When the mercury drops below freezing, most dogs and cats can only endure 10 or 15 minutes outdoors -- fewer still if it's windy. And, we all know that it is windy in West Texas.

Besides frostbite and hypothermia being a major pet problem during the winter months, imagine the misery of being left out in the cold. Texas House Bill 1411 prevents the tethering or restraint of a dog kept outside in extremely cold weather, under 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

​Unfortunately, that is not good enough. Animals deserve to be cared for and although we are thankful for everchanging laws to protect animals, common sense should be our guide in managing a pet’s exposure to winter weather.

A well- insulated dog-house filled with hay may offer some protection from the elements, but a warm fire and a few kernels of popped corn are better for everyone! ​

​

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Shelia Huffman, Contributor  
Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.
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    Hello! Welcome to our blog, pet lovers! We hope to share some helpful information regarding pet  care, health and wellness here. Stay tuned for updates!

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Midland Humane Coalition is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to partner with the Midland Community to end euthanasia of and to find Furr-Ever Homes for healthy, adoptable Dogs and Cats.

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  • Home
  • Adopt
    • Adoptable Pets
    • How to Adopt >
      • Before Adoption
    • Senior to Senior Program
    • HAPPY TALES
    • RESCUE STORIES
  • Volunteer
    • Foster
    • Adoption Center
    • Special Events
    • Online Volunteer
  • Donate
    • Our Sponsors
  • Resources
    • Vaccinations
    • Microchips
    • Spay/Neuter
    • Lost & Found Pets >
      • Lost Pets
      • Found Pets
    • Re-homing a Pet
    • Kitten Care
    • Helping Stray/Feral Cats
    • Midland Vet Clinics
    • Shelters & Rescues
  • Events
    • Blog
    • Hot Dog Run 2023 >
      • HDR 2023 Sponsorships
    • Furr Ball 2022 >
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • 2022 Sponsors
    • Pawtrait Auction
    • In the News
  • About Us
    • The Mabee ARC
    • Our History
    • Our People
    • SHOP
    • Contact >
      • Hours & Location
      • Jobs
      • FAQ
      • Contact Form