New Year's Resolutions for You and Your Pet

Happy New Year!

Its the time of year when folks are looking ahead at the year to come and resolving to make positive changes for the future. While you're considering resolutions for yourself, also consider making a resolution or two for your pet! May we suggest:


Spaying or Neutering
Did you know that over 2,000 animals brought in to CMHS in 2010 were puppies or kittens born of owned animals? Make a resolution for this to be the year you spay or neuter your pet! Not only will it prevent reproductive cancers and other health issues, it will also prevent unwanted litters from ending up in animal shelters. You may think just the five or six puppies or kittens your pet has in her latest litter won't make that much difference. Unfortunately, CMHS sees that by the thousands each year! Please do your part to reduce the overpopulation of pets - contact your vet to schedule a surgery, or contact CMHS to see if you qualify for our low-cost surgeries. Whichever route you choose, know that the upfront cost of a spay/neuter surgery is less money than feeding and vaccinating a litter of puppies for six months!


A Regular Exercise Routine
If you're a dog owner, this is a great resolution for both you and your pet. As our lives get busier, it's much more efficient to let the dog out in the backyard while you get ready for the day, and again when you get home and are preparing dinner. However, when left to their own devices, dogs may not get all the exercise they need to remain healthy.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has partnered with Hill's Science Diet to help owners recognize and combat obesiety in pets. Dr. Christine Jenkins of Hill's Academic Affiars notes, ""Pet obesity continues to be a condition more veterinary health care teams find during pet examinations, and there is a need to help owners understand the ramifications." The biggest issue of overweight pets are major health concerns like diabetes and joint concerns. Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president, notes that "Obesity-related diseases are robbing beloved pets of both length and quality of life."

Keep both you and your dog healthy with daily walks - even 15-20 minutes per day will make a difference in the health of you both! Additionally, be sure you're not over-feeding your pet, as that will pack on pounds as well.

For your cat, consider treat-dispensing toys that require activity to work, or dividing up daily food into seperate bowls placed around the house to inspire movement. Regular playtime with wand toys will encourage jumping, while balls and other moving toys will encourage pouncing and running.

May 2011 be a year of health and happiness for you and your pets!

Happy Holidays from CMHS!

The holidays are a great time to reflect on the year gone by, and anticipate what the coming year will bring. CMHS has had a very eventful 2010, and we couldn't have done it without the help of our wonderful staff, volunteers and supporters!

ZooToo
We did it! On May 11, 2010, we broke ground on our ZooToo Shelter Makeover Contest renovations. Our adoptable animal area went from bare concrete and chain link area quite prone to drafts to the beautiful place it is today! New cage fronts on the dog kennels, new epoxy coating on the floors, a brand new air handling system, a fantastically expanded cat room and more were all made possible by the amazing support CMHS got from the community!
A huge thank you to Mid City Lumber for allowing us to invade their old warehouse all summer long until we moved back into our renovated facility in August!

Good Samaritans
Nearly every day, folks in the community stop their cars in busy intersections or pull over on the highway to rescue a dog running loose. Bringing them to CMHS gives their family a chance to look for them - or, if they don't have a family of their own, they have a chance to find a wonderful new family! We are continually amazed at the generosity of people when they find an animal that has lost its way.

Adoptions
Each year, we adopt thousands of animals into great homes. This year was no different! Our newly renovated lobby hosts two "Happy Tails" bulletin boards featuring animals with their new families. If you adopted a CMHS alum, please stop by with a picture - we love to show off our former residents!

Volunteers
We couldn't do it without you! From manning tables at special events and serving spagetti at our First-Annual Spay-getti Dinner, to running some energy off our dogs or snuggling with our cats, you were, as always, an amazing part of what we do. Thank you for all of your help and support!

May you have a wonderful Christmas, a very happy New Year, and may 2011 bring you joy. Thank you for a wonderful year!

Holidays with Your Pet (Part II: Home for the Holidays)

If you're hosting for the holidays this year, you already have a lot on your plate - grocery shopping, cooking, baking, preparing guest rooms, decorating, gift wrapping, and more! Its no wonder that in the midst of all you need to get done, your pets may not be your primary concern. Here are some tips to consider to keep your pets safe as your home fills with friends and family:

Guests arriving and bringing in suitcases and gifts means the door will open and close frequently. Before guests arrive, secure your pet in their crate or a room with a closed door to ensure they won't be tempted to escape while the door is open.

Once guests are settled in, introduce your pet to new faces and smells carefully. If your male pet has not yet been neutered, he may be tempted to claim new items like purses or suitcases by marking them. If your pet is excitable, he may jump up on new people to greet them. Avoid these situations by storing guests' items in bedrooms or coat closets with the door closed, and correcting your dog with a firm "Off" or "Down" if he tries to jump.

During your holiday meal, you may want to keep your dog in her crate or your cat in a separate room. Well-meaning relatives who sneak table scraps to your pet can do serious damage - fatty foods like gravy and turkey skin can cause everything from mild stomach upset resulting in diarhea, to pancratitis, resulting in vomiting, dehydration and possibly hospitalization. Sweet alcoholic drinks like eggnog are tempting to pets but can cause alcohol poisoning, which may be fatal. Chocolate, coffee and other baked goods may contain xanthines, causing nervous system or urinary system damage. Its best to keep your pet on his regular diet through the holiday, or treat him with holiday inspired pet foods or treats that are safe for him to eat.

Your overnight guests likely know you have pets, and have probably let you know if they have allergies. Ensure their comfort by creating a pet-free zone in their room. If your pet lounges on the guest bed normally, begin keeping them out of this room a week or so before your guests arrive. Wash all bedding, including comforters and pillow shams, after this room is off limits to pets. Remind your guests to close their door at night to keep your pet from visiting them in the night.

In addition to a pet-free zone for your guests, ensure your pet has a people-free zone as well. The excitement of visitors and action will wear on your pet, so providing them with a secure and familiar place to relax will keep them from becoming too stressed. For most dogs, this can be their crate - though you may want to move the crate to a quiet corner away from noise. Be sure your guests know that if your dog heads to his crate, to leave him alone. Cats may want a high perch on a shelf to keep an eye on the action from a distance, or a bed or shelf to crawl under for some peace and quiet.

A great stress reliever for both you and your pet while hosting the holidays is a nice long walk - if you need to get away from the excitement, odds are, your pet does too. This exercise in the peace and quiet of the outdoors may be just what you both need to recharge and keep your holiday spirit intact!

Handling Pets as Gifts

As Christmas gets closer, CMHS gets a number of adopters looking to welcome a new pet into their family as a gift for their child or loved one. While we are always glad to help families adopt a new member, there are a few things to consider before giving that gift at Christmas:

A Busy and Stressful Time of Year
Often, the holidays involve either travel or visitors, both of which can be stressful for the humans. Bringing a pet into your home at this time not only adds additional stress for the humans, it is also extremely stressful for the animal! A house full of visitors may be overwhelming for a pet in transition, and traveling from house to house will cause confusion. Additionally, getting your new pet on a schedule is extremely important for house training. Bringing your pet home when you're able to keep to your normal routine is best.

Holiday Dangers
There are a number of holiday staples that can be dangerous to pets. Chocolate treats, poinsettia plants, tinsel, and even the chords of Christmas lights can be mistaken for food or chew toys to a new puppy or kitten. In all the excitement of gift opening and entertaining, it can be difficult to monitor exactly where your new pet is and what they may be eating!

Selecting Your Pet
When adopting as a gift for a child or loved one, the animal you think they may like may not be their ideal pet. The type of animal they want and are able to take responsibility for is one that should be discussed as a family - it is important to decide who will be responsible for feeding, exercising and cleaning up after the pet before the animal comes into your home. Additionally, most children coming into CMHS love the opportunity to select exactly which animal they want to take home. It also minimizes the chance that you will have to return the animal if every family member is on board with the decision.

If your child truly wants a pet for Christmas, there are ways to minimize the stress to you and the animal, and make sure the transition from shelter life to your home goes smoothly:

• CMHS provides gift certificates for adoption. You are able to come in, fill out an application and be fully approved before the holiday, then provide your child with a certificate to adopt. You can then bring your family in to the shelter to select a pet once the hustle and bustle of the holidays has passed.
• You can prepare your child for pet ownership by purchasing supplies for your pet as their gift. Unwrapping a leash and collar won't be quite as exciting as receiving the actual pet, but it will let them know that they are able to go pick out their dog or cat very soon! You can also include books on dog or cat care, treats, toys, etc. to wrap and set under the tree
• CMHS is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but coming right as we open on Monday will allow your child to select a pet and spend some time with him or her before going back to school the following week! This will give your family a chance to establish a schedule and routine for the pet to follow so everyone is on board by the time school begins again.

If your family prepares well, you can bring a pet home this time of year. Please contact CMHS if you have any questions about making a successful transition!

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful!

It's that time of year again, when the thermometer dips below freezing and we're all grateful for the warmth of the heated indoors.
Now is also the time to consider the comfort level of your pets, especially if they are kept outdoors much or all of the time. Most people have concerns about bringing outdoor pets inside, so here are a number of tips to smooth the transition, and the benefits of indoor pets:

Dogs
Outdoor dogs may have started out as indoor dogs, but were put out in the yard for behavior issues. Unfortunately, those behaviors are likely to get worse outside, rather than better!

• Dogs that don't receive regular feeback from their owners become unaware that any behavior of theirs is wrong. Additionally, without regular contact with their owners, they may lose the desire to please humans. So, they bark, dig, chew, jump and more because it keeps them busy, expends energy, and they never learn not to! With proper training, however, dogs can quickly learn which behaviors are acceptable and are able to come back inside to the comfort of indoor life.
• Keeping your dog's food bowls outside may invite more hungry critters than just your dog! Depending on where you live, skunks, possums, racoons and other wildlife may learn to expect a meal from your yard. In addition to the diseases they may expose your pet to, they may also be keeping your pet from getting the nutrition he needs! Feeding indoors ensures that only your dog is getting his food!
• If you don't have a fence, and instead tie your dog outside, she may be injured or even killed if she becomes tangled in her lead. The collar may choke her or the tie could wrap around a leg.
• The first step in bringing your outdoor dog inside is to invest in a sturdy crate. This will become a safe place for your pet to spend time while you're out of the house, and is a great way to begin housetraining your dog. Den creatures by nature, dogs that are confined will try not to soil in their 'den' - instead waiting until they can go outside. Crating your dog at least until he gets used to your day-to-day schedule is the best way to introduce and reinforce house training habits. You will also want to make the investment into obedience training. This will teach your dog basic commands, leash manners, and more.

Particularly as the weather gets colder, indoors is the safest place for your dog. With the right preperation, it is not as daunting a task as it may initially seem!

Cats
Because most communities don't have leash laws that apply to pets, most neighborhoods have at least a cat or two roaming around, and many homes may leave a bowl of food or water out for the neighborhood cat. If you are able to bring this cat into your home, her chances of making it through the winter are much better!

• Many outdoor cats bed down in shrubs and bushes for warmth. In winter, those shrubs and bushes may be little more than cold sticks, offering little shelter. Additionally, the small animals or rodents they kill for food may be more difficult to come by as all animals seek warm spots and spend less time running around.
• When you bring the cat inside, you will first want to work on litter box training. Because he is used to going outside, the two-box method will be best to start. Place a litter box near the door you brought the cat into, and another where you'd like the box to finally be. The cat's natural instict to dig and bury waste should lead her to the litter box, but you may want to cover any potted plants with aluminum foil to deter their desire to dig in the dirt, as they may have done outdoors. As she uses the box, move it a few inches a day toward the other box, until she is comfortably using just one box.
• Because your cat is used to having to hunt for his food, he'll need lots of stimulating toys to keep him out of trouble. Treat-dispensing toys or puzzle toys are great to give him the thrill of the hunt! You may also want to invest in window perches to allow him to keep an eye on the neighborhood!
• You will also want to train your cat to use scratching posts and other approved surfaces. Talk to your vet, or even stop by CMHS if you are interested in learning how to trim your cat's nails and other alternatives to declawing. Particularly if you are giving your cat outdoor access once the weather improves, you'll want to avoid declawing!

A cat in an indoor environment will enjoy a longer, healthier life than if she were left outside, and with the right transition, you will enjoy it as much as she will!

Holidays with Your Pet (Part I: Travel)

The holiday season is upon us! As many of you hit the road or the skies to visit loved ones, here are some things to remember if you're bringing your furry friend with you:

Hitting the road?

• Keep your pet secure in a crate or in a fitted harness that attaches to the seatbelt. This will prevent him from losing his balance during sudden stops or starts and around corners. The crate should be large enough for him to stand up and turn around in. Both crates and car-ready harnesses are readily available at major discount stores and pet stores.
• Feed your pet about 3 or 4 hours before hitting the road, to ensure she can digest a bit and won't become carsick. If it's a particularly long journey, offer your pet food at a rest stop or gas station when the car is not in motion to ensure she's able to eat comfortably.
• Plan for emergencies! In addition to his regular collar and tags, include a travel tag with information on where you're staying and a cell phone or local number where you can be reached. If he's not already, consider getting your pet microchipped as an extra method of identification. Also, bring a copy of your pet's vaccination records, in case your animal gets loose and is picked up by local animal control - they may need proof of a rabies vaccination before he can be returned to you!
• It should go without saying, but never leave your pet alone in the car for anything longer than a quick bathroom break! In the winter, the car can act as a refridgerator, trapping and holding cold air, potentially giving your animal frostbite or worse!

Travelling by air?

• Schedule a visit to your vet in the week before you leave. Most airlines require a clean bill of health and vaccination records before your pet is allowed to fly. At this vet visit, you can also discuss whether its safe to tranquilize your pet. While tranquilizing can affect your pet's breathing and has it's own risks, for some pets the benefits of being calm during the stress of air travel outweigh the risks associated with medication.
• Book a direct flight if possible. This will eliminate the chance that you and your pet become separated during travel due to delays or missed connections. Carry a photo of your pet with you when you travel, and let airline staff both at check-in and on the plane know you're travelling with your pet so they are able to keep you informed.
• Check with your airline to verify documentation and procedures for travelling with your pet. Some smaller pets may be allowed to ride under the seat in the cabin; most will ride in the pressurized cargo cabin. Ensure that the crate you have for your pet is approved by the USDA for air travel - the store you purchase your crate from should be able to tell you.
• In addition to the collar and tags your pet will wear during travel, ensure you have your contact information and travel information attached to the crate. You may also want to attach a photo of your pet, on the slim chance she may escape her crate during travel - airline staff will be able to identify her and return her to the proper crate.

November is National Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month!

In the month of November, animal shelters across the country are highlighting an often-overlooked section of their population: their senior pets. What age defines “senior” varies from shelter to shelter, but these adult animals are often overlooked for the cute, roly-poly kittens and puppies in nearby cages.

However, there are many benefits to bringing an older animal into your family! Consider this:

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  Senior pets’ personalities are already developed, and shelters or rescues probably have a personality profile on the animal, so you can be sure you’re getting a great fit for your family


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  Senior pets have longer attention spans and better impulse control, making for much easier training! Additionally, senior pets are very likely to already be housetrained and familiar with many commands!


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  Because senior pets often had an owner before they ended up in a shelter environment, they are particularly grateful and always seem very aware that they were rescued!


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  Senior pets are great for a quieter lifestyle – they will be more mellow than a puppy or kitten, and less likely to get into boredom-induced mischief![1]


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  Senior pets are great companions for existing animals in your family! They often already have experience with other dogs or cats, and cause less stress for existing animals than a puppy or kitten might.


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  Senior pets are great for senior humans looking for companionship! They don’t require as much exercise as a younger pet, and are content to curl up on the couch as a napping partner for as long as you’d like![2]

To celebrate our senior pets this month, CMHS is reducing their adoption prices and hoping you’ll consider bringing one of these wonderful animals into your home!

[1] First four tips come from Petfinder.com
[2] Last two tips from cats.about.com

It’s almost National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week!

Shelter Appreciation Week is held the first full week of November each year, making this year’s event from November 7th through the 13th. The idea originated in Lincoln, NE, with the Capital Humane Society, and was picked up nationally by the Humane Society of the United States as a way to acknowledge and promote the contributions of shelters around the country.

This year, the Central Missouri Humane Society has already been able to contribute a lot to the community!

• Between January 1 and November 1, CMHS has taken in 5,133 animals, providing food, shelter and veterinary care during their stay
• Our amazing vet staff has completed hundreds of spay and neuter surgeries, both for the animals adopted from the shelter and for animals in the community!
• Quarterly vaccination clinics offered by CMHS administered 321 routine vaccinations, 30 microchips and 99 nail trims at an affordable cost for pets in the community!
• CMHS keeps extensive files of lost and found pets in the community, checking each day if there are matches to be made and lost pets to return to their families!
• Our food pantry has given out hundreds of pounds of pet food to families in the community who are struggling to make ends meet.
• And of course, we help families find their newest pet and our animals their ‘fur’ever homes every day!

Our volunteers and supporters are a huge part of our ability to provide services to our community! In 2009, our volunteers contributed almost 5,000 hours of support to CMHS, assisting with everything from special events to animal socialization! (At minimum wage, that's over $30,000 in support!) Additionally, donations from the community are a fantastic help – every pile of newspapers, jug of bleach and bag of kitty litter that is donated allows more of CMHS’s limited funds to go directly toward the care of the animals.

If you’re already a volunteer or donor, this week is as much for you as for us! We simply couldn’t keep doing what we do without your help. CMHS is able to keep its doors open because of you, and we’re so fortunate to have such a wonderful and diverse group of supporters!

If you’re interested in ways to offer support, consider these opportunities:

• Host a donation drive! Gather your coworkers, classmates or friends and collect bleach, kitty litter, durable dog toys, towels, blankets, etc. Every item donated is one less item CMHS has to purchase, helping us stretch our budget!
• Volunteer! We are always looking for great volunteers to help care for our animals, assist with special events and promote our pets!
• Adopt! If you’re looking for another pet, please consider the wonderful animals we have at CMHS. Your pet will come fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped, all for an adoption fee that goes right back into the care of the animals!

Happy National Cat Day!

Tomorrow is National Cat Day, founded by Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal Behaviorist Colleen Paige and sponsored by Animal Miracle Foundation & Network. It is a day to celebrate our feline friends and remember and help those that sit in shelters awaiting their furever homes. Shelter cats especially need our love and support; nationwide, the approximately 4 million cats entering shelters face difficult odds - about 70% of them will be euthanized. Cats are euthanized at a higher rate than dogs because so few cats have any owner identification information - no tags, no tattoos, no microchips. Because of that, less than 2% of cats in shelters will be returned to their owners, compared to 15% to 20% of dogs.* That small percentage leaves shelters overwhelmed with more cats needing homes than they have space for.

There is hope for these kitties, though, and you can help! Below are a few ideas on how you can make a difference in the life of a cat, whether it's yours or one that's waiting for its furever home in a shelter.

• Microchip your cat! And if your kitty is already microchipped, talk to your friends and family about the importance of microchipping their pets. Microchips can literally save the life of an animal that ends up in a shelter. It may be the only thing that gets your pet back into your care.


• Give your kitty some lovin'! Let them know how much they mean to you by taking some time out of your busy day to show them you care. Brush 'em, pet 'em, belly rub 'em - it doesn't matter as long as they get some kitty lovin'.


• Volunteer at your local shelter. All shelters need help, and the more help they get, the more the animals benefit. Volunteer to brush and socialize cats, or, if you've got the space, help them out by fostering.


• Raise some funds for a shelter or rescue. Host a garage sale, a bake sale, or a craft sale. Whatever you do, your local organization will appreciate the extra help!


• Have a supply drive at your school or office. Since many shelters are hurting for funds, it really helps out when the community donates goods like bleach and cat litter.


• Visit your local shelter and adopt your next feline friend. Adoption really is the best option, and you'll feel good knowing you saved a life. Watch for special events at your local shelter, like the CMHS Monster Mash Bash.

Enjoy National Cat Day, and be sure to show a kitty some extra lovin' on their special day! More information about National Cat Day can be found at http://www.nationalcatday.com/index.htm.

*Shelter statistics from Petfinder.com

Howl-o-ween

Halloween is just around the corner - a night filled with candy fueled ghouls and goblins. As we prepare by carving pumpkins, hanging spiderwebs, and readying costumes, it's important to keep our pets in mind as well. While loads of fun for us, Halloween can be overwhelming for our pets, and maybe even a little scary. Keep the following in mind, though, and you can have a safe and spooktacular night!

• Keep an eye on those spooky decorations. Those dangling spiderwebs may be tempting to kitty cats, and maybe even some dogs. Be sure that all decorations are out of reach of four legged friends so they can't become entangled or ingest anything. Be sure to watch out for candle too!



• Make sure jack-o-lanterns aren't accessible. Some dogs may be tempted to chew on your carved pumpkin, and while pumpkin itself is fine, large chunks of gourds can potentially cause an intestinal blockage.



• Keep all sweet treats out of reach. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and some candies have artificial sweeteners in them which are also toxic. Wrappers are a big no-no as well, so be sure that all little goblins and ghosts clean up after themselves. Allow your pet to join in the fun by getting them a special dog or cat treat.



• Keep pets inside on Halloween night. There's bound to be a lot more activity than normal, and that, combined with freaky costumes, can really spook your pet - they may become frightened and run off. To prevent this, keep them safe and indoors.



• Be sure that your pets are safe during trick or treating. No matter how friendly your critter may be, the constant ringing of the doorbell and groups of costumed kids may stress them out. Keep pets confined during trick or treating hours so they can't bolt out the front door if they become frightened. Give them a special treat to keep them occupied and happy.

Have a safe and spooktacular Howl-o-ween!

Dealing with Allergies

For lots of people, pets are considered members of the family. That's why it's so frustrating when you discover that you or someone in your household is allergic to the four legged furry kid. Getting rid of a beloved pet because of allergies is not an option for many people, so here are a few helpful tips for keeping those allergens under control and your pet in your home.

1. First, understand that you are probably not allergic to your pet's fur, but to their dander and/or the proteins in their saliva. When animals clean themselves they spread the protein from their saliva over their coat, therefore the more the animal cleans itself, the more they spread potential allergens (that's why cats can be such a problem - they're so clean!). Some animals produce less dander than others; some proteins will be less irritating to you than others; it all depends on how your body reacts to the specific allergens.
2. Groom your pet on a weekly basis. Brushing and bathing can do wonders for helping to keep allergens down. This means you should give your pet a bath every week (yes, even your cat - they can get used to bathing if done on a regular basis). Constant bathing, however, can be rough on your animal's skin. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo formulated for pets (no people or baby shampoo - dogs and cats have a different pH than people) and watch for dry skin issues. Once dry, brush your pet outside where you don't have to worry about pet hair blowing around the house and under furniture.
3. Keep pets out of the bedrooms and off of furniture. Though this won't keep all allergens from spreading to these areas it will help keep them down a bit - and every little bit helps when fighting allergies.
4. Vacuum at least once a day. This will help pick up dander and protein covered hair and help you breathe easier. Certain vacuums are designed to pick up pet hair better and are more efficient at trapping allergens - they may be worth the investment if your vacuum cleaner isn't doing the job.
5. Use an allergen catching filter on your furnace, and get an air filter or two for your living and sleeping areas. Although filters won't fix an allergy problems on their own, they'll certainly help keep allergens down.

By utilizing these techniques you can help keep your allergies in check and keep your furry family member in your home!

Adopt a Dog Month

October is a wonderful time of the year. The leaves turn color, the air is crisp, and it's a great time to find your new best friend! That's because October is Adopt a Dog Month - a whole month dedicated to the joys of rescuing an animal in need. If you're looking to add a four legged friend to your family, please consider adoption. Below are just a few of the reasons why adopting your next dog is a wonderful idea.

• You'll save a life. Whether you adopt from a shelter or a rescue group, you'll be saving the life of not just one, but two dogs! Your pet will get its furever home and a spot will open up for another animal in need.


• Rescued pets are grateful. A rescued dog knows that it's been saved and they'll show it! You'll be rewarded with tail waggin' and face lickin' for the rest of your days.


• You can have your pick. Shelters and rescues have a wide variety of animals available for adoption, from purebreds to mutts, and puppies to adults. There are even breed specific rescues out there if you're looking for a particular type of dogs.


• You may have a head start. A lot of animals in shelters and rescues already know commands and have at least started on their housetraining. Adopting means that you may get a dog that already has manners and knows that pottying is for outside.


• You'll help curb the pet overpopulation problem. Adopting a dog means that you aren't encouraging and supporting mass, uncontrolled breeding. And many shelters and rescue organizations spay and neuter their pets before adoption, so you won't have to worry about contributing to the overpopulation problem yourself.


• Love, love, and love. Adopting a dog means bringing lots of snuggly, furry love into your heart and home.
  
  
  
  
  

Fun Facts!

Here are a couple of fun facts about your canine and feline companions.

1. The U.S. has the highest dog population in the world.
2. 87% of dog owners say their dog curls up beside them or at their feet while they watch T.V.
3. Newfoundlands are great swimmers because of their webbed feet.
4. Basset Hounds cannot swim.
5. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth, with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
6. Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic – a Newfoundland, a Pomeranian, and a Pekingese.
7. An estimated 1,000,000 dogs in the U.S. have been named as the primary beneficiaries in their owner’s will.
8. An American Animal Hospital Assoc. poll found that 33% of dog owners admit to talking to their dogs on the phone and leaving answering machine messages for them while away.
9. Humans have kept dogs as pets for over 12,000 years.
10. The largest breed of dog is the Irish Wolfhound.
11. The world’s smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua.
12. The St. Bernard is the heaviest.
13. It has been scientifically proven that owning cats is good for our health and can decrease the occurrence of high blood pressure and other illnesses.
14. Stroking a cat can help to relieve stress, and the feel of a purring cat on your lap conveys a strong sense of security and comfort.
15. The ancient Egyptians were the first civilisation to realise the cat's potential as a vermin hunter and tamed cats to protect the corn supplies on which their lives depended.
16. Cats see six times better in the dark and at night than humans.
17. Purring does not always indicate that a cat is happy. Cats will also purr loudly when they are distressed or in pain.
18. A domestic cat can run at speeds of 30 mph.
19. On average, a cat will sleep for 16 hours a day.
20. Ailurophile is the word cat lovers are officially called.



*Dog facts from http://www.animalsneedhelp.com/2008/04/20/102-interesting-facts-about-dogs/
* Cat facts from http://www.catsinfo.com/catfacts.html

Fall Safety Tips

Fall is nearing, and with cooler nights, sunny days, and falling leaves, it is certainly a beautiful time of year. There are pumpkin festivals, the trees change color, and toasty fires are lit. While it is a wonderful time of year, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind when it comes to your four legged friends.

1) Wild Mushrooms – If you like to go walking on the trail or hiking through the woods with your pup, be sure your dog isn’t grazing on any mushrooms during the outing. While most mushrooms are non-toxic, the ones that are toxic are extremely toxic! Better yet, it’s a good idea to not allow your pet to munch on anything they may find while out on a walk - there are lots of things they may come across that can make them sick or may even poison them.

2) Decorative Gourds – Lots of folks decorate their home with squashes and pumpkins during the fall. While these gourds aren’t poisonous for dogs, they can definitely cause a stomach upset or even an intestinal blockage if consumed. Make sure all gourds and pumpkins are out of reach of your pooch for their safety.

3) Fires – Fall is a wonderful time to have a roaring fire, whether it’s in your living room fire place or in a backyard fire pit. Wagging tails and burning logs don’t exactly mix, though, so be sure to keep an eye on your pooch anytime they’re around a fire. Also be sure to never leave your pet unattended when there is a fire lit, mo matter how fire savvy they may be.

4) Fallen Leaves – Piles of fallen leaves are a picturesque part of the season, but be sure to watch your four legged friends around them. Your pet may be tempted to chew on the crunchy leaves, but that can be dangerous for them. Oak leaves are poisonous, and other leaves can cause a blockage. As cute as it may be, discourage your pet from snacking on fall foliage.

5) Halloween – Though it still seems a ways off, Halloween will be upon us in no time. No matter how friendly and easy going your pet may be, Halloween can be a stressful event for them. Doorbells ringing, kids yelling, and strange costumes can put your dog or cat on edge. Do them a favor and let them hang out with a favorite toy or special treat in another room if you expect trick or treaters. That will also ensure that they don’t bolt out the door when it opens for groups of costumed kids. And be sure to keep that candy well out of reach. Not only is chocolate bad for them, but artificial sweeteners and wrappers can make them sick as well.

Happy National Dog Day!

Did you all know that it's National Dog Day today?! Founded in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert & animal behaviorist Colleen Paige and sponsored by the Animal Miracle Network, National Dog Day was created to raise awareness about dogs in need of rescue and celebrate the important role that dogs play in our lives. It's a day to recognize that dogs are a huge part of our lives, whether they are our running partner, our couch potato, our service animal, or our rescuer. Below are just a couple of ideas for ways you can celebrate this day and the dogs in your life. For more information on National Dog Day, please visit their website www.nationaldogday.com.

1) Donate $5 to your local animal shelter. Just this small amount can help make a real difference in the life of a shelter animal. At CMHS, we work hard to make a little go a long way!

2) Sign up to volunteer or foster for your local animal shelter or rescue organization. These groups rely on volunteers to help care for and socialize the animals in their care. Foster homes help rescues and shelters save more lives. Both are rewarding experiences that truly make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

3) If you don't have the time to volunteer, you can always donate to your local animal shelter. Many organizations have a wish list for items they are in need of - check it out and help them out. You can also hold donation drives at your office or social club, or raise money by holding a garage sale or bake sale. Local animal shelters and rescues are always grateful for the help and support of their community!

4) Help a neighbor out. Do you have an elderly person in your neighborhood who could use some help caring for their pet? Lend them a hand - offer to walk their dog or scoop their yard for them. You'll put a smile on their face and probably get a tail wag out of it as well.

5) Resolve to adopt your next dog (or cat or rabbit or guinea pig). There are literally millions of animals in shelters and rescues across the nation. Save a life by bringing one of them into your home. Rescued animals make great pets!

6) Go to the CMHS facebook page and post about how a dog has made a difference in your life. Share your special dog's story and read about how dogs have touched the lives of others.

7) Celebrate your dog! Take a trip to the dog park or go to your local pet store for a new toy. Go for a long walk and then lavish your pup with belly rubs. Our dogs touch our lives in ways that people can't - show them today that you wouldn't be the same without them.

Why Do You Say That? (Part 1)

Ever wondered what the origins of certain phrases and sayings are? Well then, you're in luck! Welcome to the first installment of "Why Do You Say That?", a continuing series on the meanings and origins of animal phrases!

"Let the cat out of the bag"

We use this phrase when someone tells a secret before it's time to, or let's out a bit of private information that wasn't intended to be shared with others. The roots of this phrase, however, are a bit more nefarious.

In feudal England, land tenants were supposed to turn over a portion of all that they produced as their rent. Some folks, however, did a little illegal business on the side to make extra money, including the selling of suckling pigs. Since these animals were sold on the black market they were concealed in sacks to hide the transaction. Some shrewd businessmen found that you could easily substitute a cat in the sack for a piglet and make some easy money. Suspicious buyers who demanded to see the contents of the sack before purchase often had their suspicions confirmed when they "let the cat out of the bag".

*From Why You Say It by Webb Garrison

Cool Treats

Nothing is quite as refreshing on a hot summer day as a delicious frozen treat, whether it be ice cream, popsicles, or sno cones. While these treats aren't exactly pet friendly (or healthy), you've no doubt found that your dog can barely resist the temptation of that dripping ice cream cone. Well you and your pet are in luck - here are some pet friendly options for cool treats to help refresh your dog on a hot summer day.

Frozen Kong.Put a twist on your dog's favorite chew toy. Fill a Kong (or other similar product) with peanut butter, freeze for a few hours and voila - frozen peanut butter Kongsicle! Sass it up and keep it more interesting for your dog by layering the peanut butter with kibble, small dog biscuits, or banana slices and then freezing it. Try to find low or no salt peanut butter that has no added sugar in it for a healthier treat.

Doggie Ice Cream. There are many choices for dog ice cream widely available in stores, like Yoghund and Frosty Paws, but you can make your very own homemade ice cream treats with ease. Simply blend 1 cup of plain, low fat yogurt with 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 1 banana, divide into reusable containers (about 3oz size) and freeze for at least 30 minutes. Get creative with the flavors! Instead of peanut butter and banana you can do blueberry and apple or even carrot and sweet potato - the possibilities are endless. Just be sure that the ingredients you are using are dog safe and low in salt and sugars - the more whole foods you can use the healthier it is for your dog.

Sno Cones. Lots of dogs enjoy chewing ice, but whole ice cubes have the potential to break a dog's teeth - so why not crush it and make them their very own doggie sno cones?! Start by simply freezing low sodium chicken or beef broth in an ice cube tray. When it's time for a frozen treat, take a moment and run a couple of cubes through the blender and there you have it - doggie sno cones. You can even mix frozen peas or blueberries into the crushed ice as an added bonus! Your dog will love the taste of this cool, refreshing treat.

Bloodsuckers

Ah, summertime. Abundant sunshine, barbecues, lounging by the pool, and, of course, bugs. Lots of bugs, and the kind that like to bite you and, unfortunately, your pets. There's nothing like a flea infestation to take the fun out of your summertime plans. Following are some tips on how to deal with those pesky bloodsuckers if they do indeed invade your pet and your home.

1. Bathe your pet (yes, even a kitty) with a pet safe, soap free shampoo to help wash away fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt first. Do not use a flea shampoo when bathing your pet, as some pets can have a bad reaction to the mixing of pesticides from the shampoo and topical treatments. Thoroughly dry your pet off and wait 24 hours to apply a topical treatment like Frontline or Advantage. Be sure to use the correct dosage for your size animal - never take a chance on being able to split the medication between several pets. The bulk of the fleas should be dead within 24-48 hours, but if you still feel like your pet has a large number of fleas you can use a product called Capstar available from your vet.

2. Skip the flea collars, powders, and sprays. They don't work and they don't prevent. The extra money it costs for a topical treatment is well worth it, and when you consider that it takes an average of 3 months to fight an infestation (yup, sorry to be the one to have to tell you that)you really need to use the stuff that actually works.

3. Wash your pet's bedding, your bedding, and any other blankets or throws that your pet may have come in contact with. Wait to put those items back out until you've treated the area.

4. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. And then vacuum again. Vacuuming helps rid your home of fleas, flea dirt, and flea eggs, so doing it at least once a day makes a big difference. Flea eggs are not sticky; they are designed so that they can fall off the animal wherever they go and spread the eggs around a large area. Think about that for a moment - fall off the animal wherever they go. Yup, that's gross, so vacuum your home thoroughly, including floors, couches, beds, tables, counters - anywhere your pet has been. Be sure to empty your vacuum cleaner bag or canister outside immediately after you're done. If you have a bag system this will mean throwing away the bag every time after you vacuum, but it's the only way to make sure those fleas don't escape back into your home.

5. Treat your home with a carpet and upholstery spray to rid those areas of fleas. Make sure it has an Insect Growth Regulator in it to help break the reproductive cycle. Follow instructions closely to keep your pet and your family safe. If the infestation is really bad you may want to use a flea bomb to help rid your home of the pests, but be aware that all living creatures must be out of the home for several hours in order to use a bomb.

6. Be diligent. Be sure to treat your pet with the topical preventative once a month every month. Vacuum at least once a day. Treat your home a second time if necessary, and put all the bedding through another wash cycle. The battle against the bloodsuckers is a frustrating one, but if you stay diligent and keep on top of them, you will come out ahead.

Dog Days of Summer

August is upon us and, considering that most of July saw heat indices in the 100s, it's sure to be a scorcher of a month. Few of us are fans of such miserable temperatures, but neither are our pets. So while you try to keep cool in the a/c with a nice cold drink, here are a few reminders and tips on how to keep your pet comfortable during these long dog days of summer.

1. We all know this, but I would be remiss to not reiterate that you should never leave your dog in a parked car, even in the shade, even with your windows cracked. Temperatures can skyrocket in just a matter of minutes and your dog can become seriously ill very quickly, and can even die from the heat. Please leave your dog at home if you have to run errands they can't participate in, or save those errands for a time when your dog isn't with you. And if you see a dog locked in a parked car, please call Animal Control (449-1888 here in Columbia)and help that doggie out!

2. Rather than sweating, dogs pant to keep cool. In the humidity of Missouri summers, panting becomes less effective at cooling off their bodies. Therefore it's super important that your dogs have access to shade and clean, cool water when they are outside. Try going for walks and play dates in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the mid day sun. Limit exercise times so your pup doesn't overdo it, and pay special attention to breeds with short snouts (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) that can overheat quickly. Know the signs of heat exhaustion (heavy and continuous panting, red gums, weakness) and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog may be suffering from it.

3. Give 'em a shave. If you've got a long haired dog, shaving their coat can help keep them cooler. Don't shave too close though, or you'll take away the protective quality of their coat and increase their chance of sunburn. Enlist the services of a groomer - they'll be able to give your dog the best summer cut for their type of coat.

4. Hose 'em down. Lots of dogs enjoy water, and what better way to have some fun and cool them off than playing in it? Get them a kiddie pool to splash in, or turn on the sprinkler and run through it like you're a kid again. You can visit Twin Lakes for some swimming and beach time, or visit the Garth Nature Area to play in the pond. Just be sure that no matter how you play in it, you've got some fresh water on hand for them to drink when they're through splashing around.

5. Crank up the A/C. Some days it gets so hot the best option is to just stay inside and hide from the sun. There are lots of great interactive toys on the market to help keep your dog entertained on those long, lazy days indoors. Toys like the Kong, the Buster Cube, and Nina Ottosson's dog puzzles, available at local retailers, will help keep your dog busy while you both stay cool in the A/C.

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to our blog! We are very excited about "Pets and People" and hope you all are too. We want this blog to be a resource for the pet community, whether you've got a specific issue you're trying to deal with, or you just want some general info and helpful tips. We're going to cover alot of topics concerning all sorts of pets, so there should be something here for everyone. And hopefully we'll all have some fun along the way! Visit us for weekly postings, and tell your friends and family about us too.