​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. ​

​

Fourth of July - Independence Day - it’s a day of celebration, BBQs, family, friends and, of course … F I R E W O R K S!   

As we gear up for 4th of July festivities, let’s not forget about our precious pets who may not understand what all the hoopla is about.  It's not like we can ask them about how they really feel. 

As far as pets are concerned, the festive explosions, bright flashes in the sky, and the thick, smokey air may just be one big terrifying nightmare (i.e. the A-PAW-CALYPSE!!!).

In fact, there is an influx of LOST/RUNAWAY pets who scare themselves silly during these celebrations and end up on the streets or at the shelters! So we urge you, as pet owners, to take precautions to keep your pet secure. 

As much as you love having your pet around you during every special occasion ever made, you may have to show some tough love for his/her own safety!  

SAFETY TIPS

• Make sure your pet has identification - ID tags or microchips will let people know how to contact you in case your pet manages to get away from you! Be sure to keep your listed contact information current.  
  • Don't have an ID Tag? You can still get ID tags engraved at PetSmart of Ace Hardware today or tomorrow (check holiday hours).  
  • If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your contact information is registered and up-to-date on the microchip's website! (Microchips are a permanent and reliable form of ID. For more information on microchipping your pet, www.midlandhumane.org/microchips)
• Keep your pets safe at home. Avoid bringing them over to someone else’s house for a party or to outdoor festivities. They’ll be more comfortable in familiar surroundings - not in a crowded, strange and noisy place, where they will be more prone to freaking out.  
• Do not lock your panicking pet in the car while you’re out enjoying the fireworks display either. It’s not the safe place you may think it is. They may suffer heat strokes or accidental injuries. It will also make for a very traumatic experience for your poor pet.   
• Keep your pets indoors, in a safe room or crate. Don’t leave them out in the yard where they can be tempted to hop/destroy the fence while they’re in full-on panic mode.
• Create noise to distract from fireworks - turn on the television or play some soothing music in the background. 
• You may need to calm your extremely anxious pet down by spending some time with them and speaking to them in a soothing voice until they're more "manageable" and no longer a danger to themselves. 
• Keep your pets away from the hot grill - they’ll surely be sniffing around for whatever is emitting that delicious aroma. Also, keep your pets away from matches, charcoal and lighter fluid.
• Keep your curious pets away from fireworks that they may accidentally ingest. The day after 4th of July, keep an eye out for any firework debris in your yard or surroundings that your pet may encounter and eat. 
• Avoid feeding your pet table scraps. Certain seemingly harmless human food can be toxic - such as onions, avocados, grapes, raisins, yeast, etc. If you’re not sure if something is safe for your pet, better avoid it. 
• Human products can be harmful to animals. Don’t spray your pet with insect repellent or sunscreen that is not made for animal use. Citronella products and insect coils can also be irritating to pets.
• You may be tempted to self-medicate your highly nervous pet - but PLEASE don’t use meds made for humans. Talk to your vet about proper medication to safely sedate your anxious pet. 

 
The best way for your pet to enjoy Fourth of July is by NOT joining in the festivities. Yep, they may have to sit this one out for their own good. 

Push that guilt aside because while you are enjoying the colorful lights and loud bangs, your pet/s will be safe and sound (albeit may or may not be suffering a panic attack) in the comforts of your home... and not lost in a dark alley somewhere. 

FOUND A LOST/RUNAWAY PET?  
Check for ID tags or get it scanned for a microchip.  MHC can help scan pets for microchips at our Adoption Center inside Midland's PetSmart.  

HOWEVER, our Adoption Center  WILL NOT be able to provide shelter to lost pets. 

Check out some helpful tips on what to do with Lost & Found Pets here. 

There is nothing more heartbreaking than a sick pet (think: puppy dog eyes). As pet owners, we can help protect them against disease - through vaccination. We cannot stress this enough: prevention is key when it comes to disease. 

There has been an increase in incidents of canine (dog) disease in Midland. There are two common contagious canine diseases that you should be aware of: Canine Parvovirus (CPV or Parvo) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV or Distemper). 

Vaccination is the best strategy to protect your pet from these diseases. Because of their importance, vaccines for these diseases are part of the standard package when you visit your veterinarian and at MHC’s Shot Clinics. 

What are these diseases and how do they affect your dog?

Parvo is a contagious viral disease the affects canines of all ages - puppies, young adults, and adults. It’s easily transmitted through any animal, object or human that has come into contact with an infected dog’s feces. Unvaccinated animals do not have immunity against Parvo and will be highly at risk of contracting it upon exposure. It can be life-threatening once contracted and left untreated. 

Distemper is caused by a vicious virus that attacks a dog’s nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. It’s spread airborne (through coughing and sneezing) or through shared food and water bowls. Since it attacks the nervous system, infected dogs may develop muscle twitches, seizures, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation, and partial or complete paralysis. They may also develop a head tilt and exhibit circling behavior.  Distemper is often fatal and can leave surviving dogs with permanent damage to the nervous system. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, fever, rapid weight loss, lethargy or loss of appetite, or any other abnormal behavior in your pet, please visit your veterinarian immediately! It’s possible for infected dogs to show only one symptom. The sooner you go, the sooner the vet will be able to diagnose your pet and treat them if needed. 

It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s health. Read up on other diseases affecting both cats & dogs here. 

TIPS on how to avoid getting your dog infected:

1. Get the proper vaccinations. Dogs of all ages (puppies, adolescents and adults) who have not been protected through vaccination are susceptible to these diseases.

Puppies should receive their first vaccines at 6 weeks of age; boosters should be administered at three – four week intervals until the puppy is 16 - 18 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Previously vaccinated adult dogs need boosters every year. 

 If your puppy is scheduled to receive a booster shot before our scheduled clinic dates, please see your vet instead so as not to miss a dose. We have an upcoming Shot & Chip Clinic on January 19.

2. Don’t expose your unvaccinated dog to other dogs until two weeks after they receive their shots or last set of recommended boosters. Before that time, they are not fully protected yet. 

3. Don’t take them to places where your unvaccinated dog could be exposed to infected dogs. Dog parks, pet stores, play groups, adoption centers, kennels, day care, and other public areas should be avoided until your dog is fully vaccinated.

4. When going to the veterinary clinic, carry your unvaccinated dog in your arms or a kennel outside as well as in the lobby. Coming into contact with infected dog’s saliva, urine or feces will increase your dog’s risk of contracting disease. 
 
If your dog is exhibiting signs of parvo/distemper and you have an appointment with your veterinarian, when you arrive, stay in your car but call your veterinarian to let them know you have arrived. They will direct you when to come into the clinic.  

5.  Parvovirus & Distemper can live on in the environment for over a year. If your house or yard has been infected, disinfect as much of the surfaces as possible with a 1:32 dilution of bleach (1/2 cup bleach in a gallon of water). The virus can survive on objects, including food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. Note that certain areas that cannot be cleaned with bleach may remain contaminated. Regular soaps and disinfectants are NOT effective. 

6. If you work or spend time in places where you have contact with other dogs, change your clothes and shoes and wash up before returning home and handling your dog.

What vaccine does my pet need?

You can read about the vaccines that we administer here.  

The vet and vet techs present at our Shot Clinic will be able to assist you with determining what vaccines your pet needs depending on their age and species. Please bring your shot records, if you have any.  

UPCOMING SHOT CLINIC - February 23, 2019
Check our Event Calendar for more details. This is open to Cats & Dogs  from anywhere! 

Please come with your pet if they're due for shots or if you're not sure if they have ever been vaccinated.

​Check out our Vaccinations page for Clinic safety rules, instructions and to print out the Shot Clinic Form. Bring the form and your shot records (if any).