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​Paw Prints

A blog by the friendly folks at ​Midland Humane Coalition

KEEP PETS SAFE FROM THE HEAT

6/22/2021

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What to Do if Your Pet Has Fleas

2/23/2021

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Imagine cuddling your itchy pet one day just to notice tiny mystery bugs in their fur. You start to panic. Oh no! Are they fleas? Will my animal be ok? They’re probably all over the house by now! 

Don’t worry! 

Chances are, you’ve heard horror stories about someone’s cat or dog being perpetually plagued by these frustrating little creatures. It can happen; but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Truth be told, there are things you can do to get rid of fleas. The secret is early identification and swift, continuous action. 


Identify Fleas

Fleas come in four forms: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. 

Flea eggs are extremely small. They are covered with a soft, white shell called chorion. These will be very hard to identify if you’re not looking for them and often slip into hairs, carpets and cracks in sofas. 

Larvae hatch from the eggs. They look like tiny white worms, ranging from 2 to 5 mm in length. Larvae build up their nutrition and then transition into pupae. 

Pupae form after the larvae spin cocoons. The forming fleas lie dormant as they transition from larvae to pupae and finally to adult fleas inside their cocoons. 

Adult fleas shed their cocoon and emerge ready to eat. Since they’re between 1.5 - 3.3 mm long, adult fleas are still relatively hard to see; however, it’s much easier to identify fleas during the adult stage of their lifestyle than the other three stages. If you see small, dark brown pests crawling in your pet’s fur, you probably have a flea problem. 

Steps to Rid Your Pet of Fleas

  1. Take Your Animal to the Vet Immediately. A vet can officially confirm the flea diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your pet’s situation. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, oral medications, sprays and drops. 
 
  1. Take Action in Your Home. Treatments for your pet will only be effective if you can eradicate the flea issue at large. Chances are, fleas in all stages of the life cycle are in your house. Thoroughly vacuum all floors, carpet and furniture. Steam clean everything if possible as well. You also need to run ALL clothes and bedding through a hot washing machine cycle or two. 


After cleaning, the home needs to be treated with flea extermination products. This can be an intensive process. Products you find at the store may not do the job. It’s best to have professionals with experience, like Fox Pest Control’s Pest Pros, service the home. They will perform an extensive treatment and answer any questions you have. If a follow-up visit is needed, they’ll let you know. 

  1. Repeat. Flea extermination calls for continuous action. It’s not a one-and-done scenario. Keep following your vet’s instruction with your pet, and continue to clean and be aware of what’s being brought inside your home. Continual pest control services will also help keep the fleas away. 

No Fleas, No Worries

By following this advice, you can get your flea situation under control. Your cat or dog will be back to normal in no time. It just takes a little hard work, consistency and trust in the professionals. Now’s the time to enjoy your pet.


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​Fox Pest Control. No Bugs, Simply Better. ​
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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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Tips for Finding the Right Food for your Pet

2/23/2021

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February—a month when we focus on matters of the heart.  Not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, but February is also designated by the American Heart Association to bring awareness to heart health.  That goes for our four-legged friends, too. 

Two things necessary for people and pets for heart health are exercise and a healthy diet.   



The hunt for Dog Food 
When it comes to dogs, choosing a healthy dog food can be confusing when you go into a pet store and see the hoard of pet foods and brands available today.  Then, to complicate matters, there are differing opinions on what is best.

Some say grain free is the way to go, others say include grain.  Once dry food was suggested as better than canned, but now processed kibble, fed exclusively, is in question. Breeders say raw is the way to feed and nutritionists say cook human-grade food and vegetables. And then there is the internet that will sell you the priciest pet food, loaded with promises of healthy coat, long-life and regular, to your door, delivery. 

Oh, my!  So how do you decide what to feed?  
There are some basics to consider when choosing a dog food.
  • Is it nutritious?
  • Will your dog eat it?
  • How does it fit into your lifestyle? 

Some people don’t have the luxury of cooking fresh food for their dog every day.  If feeding raw, you must be careful and know what you are doing.  You can’t feed spoiled food to a dog any more so than to a human.

Although the human quality premium pet foods may be an excellent choice, not everyone can afford them, (animals, like humans, need regular medical care to keep them healthy, as well as a nutritious diet). And always remember that marketing is directed at the pet owner, not the pet.

Also, when selecting a food, consider that your dog goes through different stages in his or her lifetime including puppy, senior and pregnancy that require different nutritional needs. 

Assuming you have a healthy dog that does not require a special diet for medical reasons, here are some tips you might consider when choosing a pet food.
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1. Talk to your vet for suggestions. In fact, always talk to your vet for advice regarding your pet (we can't stress this enough).
 

2. Consult an informed person at your pet store.  But remember, they got their information from the vendor selling the product, and premium and price are not always a good gauge of quality. 

3. When shopping for dog food, check out the ingredients:
  • Look for a food that is not filled with “fillers.” Grain-free food often has less fillers.         
  • Make sure the first ingredient listed is meat, not grain, or meat by products. 
  • Check for fat content.  High fat dog food is equivalent to a drive-thru diet for you.
  • Look for “Made in America” and “AAFCO” (Association of American Feed Control Officials). 
  • Look at “sell by” date on package to make sure the food is fresh.
  • Look for “toppers” that may make the food more appealing. Like humans, dogs like variety. 
           
4. When you have selected a food, store it in a proper container at home and keep bowls clean.

5. Monitor how your dog responds to the food. If your dog is gaining too much weight or losing weight, having stomach issues or not eating, talk to your vet and go back to square one if necessary. ​

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The search for  Cat Food
When it comes to cats, many of the same common-sense rules apply when selecting a cat food as selecting a dog food. 

“The main thing to remember about cats is that they are obligate carnivores—meat eaters, plain and simple. They must have protein from meat for a strong heart, good vision and a healthy reproductive system. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. Raw meat is supposed to be good for them, but one has to be careful when feeding raw for the same reasons as for dogs,” shares Dallas cat advocate, Sherrie Narusis.  
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Here are some tips you might consider when choosing a food for your feline:

1. As always, the first step is to consult with your vet for suggestions on what to feed your cat.  Your vet will know the best food for your cat's age, size, as well as specific nutritional requirements for any medical conditions they might have. 

2. Do you research and keep an eye on ingredients.  Also, like dogs, cats go through various stages in their lifetime that require different nutritional needs. Be sure they're getting the right type of food for their age. 

Commercial Cat Food 
  • Commercial cat foods are formulated as dry, semimoist, and canned. These products differ in water content, protein level, caloric density, palatability and digestibility.
  • Again, read the label! Look for a food that is not filled with “fillers” like meat by-products and corn, but one that lists the first ingredient as meat.  
  • Cats require high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. They also require vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids, (usually found in their food.) Do not give your cat supplements without consulting your vet.
Home-made Cat Food 
  • Like with dogs, home-made cat food is a difficult and time-consuming process, and the recipe may not contain the right quantities and proportions of nutrients for your cat. 
  • It is generally recommended that cat owners purchase nutritionally balanced commercial foods, unless a veterinarian recommends a home-formulated recipe for medical purposes.
  • Basic minimum nutritional requirements for cats have been established by the Feline Nutrition Expert (FNE) a subcommittee of the AAFCO, and manufacturers use these standards in producing cat foods.
  • Consult your vet if you're planning to feed your cat home-made food.  ​

3. Once you've decided on cat food that works, store their food properly, keep their bowls of food and water clean and in a low traffic area where they feel comfortable. 

4. As always, look for signs from your four-legged family member. We know they communicate with us! 

Canine or Feline, your pet deserves to thrive and enjoy his or her meals. 

​Bon appetit! 
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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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Welcoming a NEW PET to your home!

1/27/2021

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You have picked out your new pet and you are getting ready to welcome it into your home. Here are some tips to help you get off to a good start with your new family member.

Obviously, what you will feed is a priority and there is no shortage of pet food and treats on the market from which to choose (avoid rawhide).  Your pet store and veterinarian can help you with questions regarding diet and nutrition.  Just make sure that when changing your pet’s diet, you do it gradually by mixing the current food with the new food to avoid tummy upsets by an abrupt change. 

Another priority will be selecting a veterinarian.  Recommendations from friends and family can be a good place to begin in choosing the best one for you.  Just remember to consider location and hours of operation.

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Other items your pet will need include: 

Food and water bowls.  You can find everything from Fiesta ware to Waterford dog and cat bowls.  Nothing wrong with fun and folly, but remember, that is for you and your home décor; your pet doesn’t care about the brand or pattern of the dish, only what’s in it. Make sure that the bowls you choose are the right size for easy reach and comfortable eating and made of safe materials.

Litter box, kitty litter and poop bags. Decide where you want to place the litter box so that it is convenient for your cat and out of the way.  People usually choose a mudroom or utility room.  You will also need a scoop for keeping it clean between litter changes. A pooper-scooper is handy for the backyard and poop bags are a necessity for walks in the neighborhood or the park with your dog.     

Comfy bed.  Unless you have a pet with special needs such as arthritis, simply select a soft, warm bed from the many cat and dog beds on-line or at the pet store.  Make sure it is the right size for your dog or cat for cozy snuggling.  

Grooming tools. Shampoo, brush, toothbrush, dog safe toothpaste are a few items you will need to keep your pup looking and feeling its best.  Cats are excellent self-groomers.  However, they still may require some brushing.

A crate is a great option for keeping your pup safe and confined when you are not around, especially necessary for a puppy whose curiosity can cause it harm. Even cats may feel more secure in a cat carrier during a ride to the vet. A crate is an ideal space if you have workers in the house, a social gathering where someone may leave an exterior door open, or whenever you need to confine your animal.  Never to be used as punishment, dogs often find solace in their crate. It is their space, their den.  Make sure your selection is the right size so that your animal can stand and move around within the confine. 

Leash and collar.  Unless you are working on special training and need a certain-type lead, a standard 4-ft. leash is what you need for your dog, (please forgo the retractable ones as they can be a danger to your dog and to others), a comfortable collar with enough room for two-fingers as a checkpoint, and an identification tag with your information, including your cell phone number. Cats, on the other hand, climb and get into spaces that dogs probably would not. That said, collars can get caught posing the risk of a collar related injury such as strangulation or chocking.  Be sure you provide your cat with a break-away cat collar.

Toys are not just a luxury; they both stimulate and reassure your pet. Look at the fun toys on-line or at the pet store.  Make sure that the toy is large enough that they can’t swallow it or pieces of it.  If the dog is successful in retrieving the “squeaky” from inside the toy (and probably will be) take it away as it could be swallowed.  Don’t toss it though, put it in your camera bag as it becomes an excellent attention getter (ears up) for photos ops. Cats love catnip and toys designed for them, especially the mobile types that they can bat back and forth. Plus watching can give you hours of entertainment. 

Keep everyone happy!  Can’t say enough about the virtues of baby gates.  These portable gates are handy for blocking off rooms that are not puppy-proof, like the one with the oriental rug while you are house training. Provide your kitten or cat with scratching posts—better for their instinctive scratching activity than the arm of a chair or sofa.  
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To quote Nobel Prize winner, Anatole France, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” For many of us, a home without a furry friend is simply not complete. Enjoy your new family member.   
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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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Pet Proofing: Ensuring your New Pet's Safety

1/25/2021

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Bringing a new pet - whether adopted or fostered - into your home is more than just fun and games. Of course there will be plenty of time for that later, but first things first, you’ll need to prepare your home to ensure the safety and comfort of your new cat or dog. 

Pet proofing your home for a new pet, regardless of their age, is similar to baby proofing your household. Pets are inquisitive by nature and will be inclined to explore every corner of your house upon their arrival. 

It will be up to you as a responsible pet parent to ensure that every room in your house is a safe environment. Prior to welcoming your new pet, go through all the rooms in the house to get rid of potential hazards and danger zones. You may have to rearrange your home for a while, but this is temporary until your pet gets more acclimated to the new environment. 

Here are a few tips for pet proofing your entire house.

Kitchen

  • Store food properly. Make sure all food is locked away and stored inside the pantry and cupboards in containers. Always keep countertops and tables clear of food and cabinets and doors closed. Consider installing childproof latches for those extra clever pets.   Pets can and will get tempted to chew away at any exposed and accessible food including toxic food and packaging.  Many seemingly harmless human foods are toxic for dogs/cats — like chocolate, gum, onions, coffee, grapes/raisins, etc.  When it comes to food, it’s better to err on the side of safety and keep them all away from pets. 
  • Secure garbage bins.  One man’s trash is a curious pet’s unlimited buffet! Make sure your trash cans are securely covered so that your pets cannot access potentially toxic substances or things they can choke on or get suffocated by (such as bones, fruit pits, packaging, plastic bags). 
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​​Living Room 


  • Secure wires and cords.  Tuck away anything that your new pet could trip over or be tempted to chew on. 
  • Check for furniture that might topple over to avoid accidents. Make sure you don’t have any unsteady tables or chairs that your pet might attempt to climb or could tip over and hurt your new pet. 
  • Store your knick-knacks properly. The living room is the place where we relax, watch TV, read a book, work on hobbies and projects. With a new pet around, be sure to keep the living room space — from the floor to coffee tables — clutter-free so they don’t have access to any potential hazards (like craft items  and small objects — scissors, needles, yarn, glue, batteries, magnets, kids toys, etc). Make sure you put breakable/valuable items (vases, picture frames, albums, books, DVDs, games) that your new pet can destroy out of reach. 
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  • Keep plants out of reach. For the sake of both your plant babies and fur babies, make sure your plants are located safely out of your pet’s reach. Some common houseplants are poisonous when ingested. Younger pups and kittens tend to chew just about anything — so do your research to see if any of the plants you have are harmful to pets and store them away or get rid of them. 

Bedroom

  • Clear your nightstand. Don’t leave out any medicine, glass of water, lotions or candles lying around for your pet to ingest or topple over. 
  • Store everything in closets. When you kick off that good pair of shoes, store them in the closet so that you aren’t angry when you find them with teeth marks later!  
  • Inspect closets.  Check that your pet isn’t stuck or sleeping in a closet or drawer before shutting them closed. Keep the closet doors shut so your pet doesn’t have access to shoes and strings and buttons that they can choke on. 
  • Secure your electrical wires so your pet can’t access them. 
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Bathroom

  • Shut the door. Best to keep your new pet out of bathrooms where they can attempt to drink toilet water or shred toilet paper. 
  • Lock your cabinets. Keep medicine, bath soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and household cleaning supplies stored safely in a cabinet and away from your new pet. 


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Garage 


  • Keep chemicals out of reach. Move chemicals up high on shelves or locked in cabinets. Chemicals such as antifreeze/pesticides/lawn chemicals can cause death if ingested. 
  • Keep tools stored away. Make sure sharp objects and tools are where pets can’t access them.
  • Clear the floor. Pick up nails, screws, tools and other clutter off the floor and make sure it is clean and free from chemicals that your pet can ingest or choke on. 


Yard

  • Check your plants. Just like your indoor plants, make sure all the plants in your garden are safe for pets. If anything is poisonous, best to keep your pet away from it to avoid accidental ingestion. 
  • Inspect the fence. Check for gaps or holes that your pet might be able to squeeze through. Ensure that the latch on the gates are working properly. Consider installing a lock for the gates -- some pets have the uncanny ability of opening doors and gates! 
  • Keep pets off the lawn. If you’ve recently treated your lawn with fertilizer, weedkiller, insecticide or any other chemicals, keep your pet away from the area. Some dogs have been known to chew grass or nibble on mulch, which could potentially be dangerous if they were recently sprayed with chemicals. 

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​One last thing, when you're bringing a new pet home, especially a younger dog or cat, know that they will inevitably make mistakes or have accidents. Please be patient -- your new pet needs time to  learn the ropes.  

To avoid unfortunate incidents, make sure they have a safe, secure and comfortable space to call their own - like a play pen or a crate - where you can be certain that they are out of harm's way and unable to cause mischief around the house whenever you're not around to keep an eye on them. 

Once you’ve inspected your whole house and eliminated all potential threats, you can now relax and focus your time and energy on making your new pet feel right at home. 

And, yes, you can certainly bring out all the pet-safe toys and treats! 
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