Let ’em know you love them!

By Joyce McNally
Special to the News-Capital

Fri, May 16 2008

— Now that spring has arrived, warmer temperatures have arrived also. Some animals are born to be outside, but some are not. When an animal spends time outside it still needs shelter, food, and plenty of clean water. Dogs that are tied up outside all the time will most likely dig in the grass or dirt until there is a hole large enough to get into. It’s so much cooler lying in the dirt. Don’t leave your pet outside without a doghouse or some type of shelter. It should be in the shade and turned so the opening is away from the wind. A blanket or dry bed of straw will give your pal a soft cushion to sleep on. A heavy water bowl is best because it can’t be easily turned over and make sure to keep it filled with clean cool water. Make sure the water is close enough to your pet so it doesn’t suffer from dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration include sunken eyes, exhaustion, appetite loss, depression, and a dry mouth. To check that your pet has been getting enough water, pull the skin on the back of his neck and let go. It should flatten back into place. If the skin stays in position or returns to normal only after he has shaken himself, your pet may be low on fluids. It’s not always easy to judge whether or not your pet is dehydrated. If you suspect problems, call your veterinarian immediately.
It you have to tie your pal outside, a harness will work much better than attaching a chain or rope to its collar. If the collar gets caught up on something and your pal can’t get away, it could choke to death. A harness will still help keep them contained and is much more comfortable.
When you return home after a long day and your pal jumps up to greet you, pay attention to it. Pets aren’t designed to be decorations or cast aside. Show it that you really care and spend time with it. Pets don’t understand that you’ve had a busy or stressful day. They just want your attention and love. Our lives sometimes get very hectic, but that loving, affectionate pal is always there to greet you, no matter what. If they’ve been tied in the yard all day, they don’t hate you for it, they greet you with love and anticipation.
Pets are like kids. They don’t ask to be brought into this world, but when you make the decision to add a pal to your family, accept the responsibility that goes with it. When you bring that pal into your life and home, treat it with respect and love it forever. That love will be returned to you more times than you can count.
I’m sure you get tired of hearing about spaying and neutering, but this is truly the greatest gift you can give your faithful pal. Seventy-six percent of dog bites involve animals that are not spayed or neutered and most problem behaviors, including roaming and fighting in males, is directly related to mating instincts. By eliminating roaming, sterilized animals are less likely to be killed by cars, stolen, or encounter other dangers. Spaying and neutering pets also reduces or eliminates the risk of diseases including uterine or prostate cancer.
Give the gift of life and help eliminate pet overpopulation at the same time. You may qualify for financial assistance for that spay or neuter, so call PAWS Connection at 470-7297. Call and make an appointment today.