Tip of the Month for March from the Mesquite Animal Shelter
March is the month we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and in Mesquite, March can be the start of spring time weather. Here are a few tips and reminders to keep your pets safe, happy and healthy.
Some people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by having a party. If you plan on inviting guests into your home, remember your pets may prefer to be left alone in a quiet room or outside away from the noise and strangers. Don’t give any alcohol to your animals and limit human food treats.
This is a good time of the year to make sure your house if a poison-safe one.
If you plan on treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides, always keep your pets away from the treated area until it is completely dry. Always store these types of products in areas that will insure no possible pet exposure.
Be aware of plants you may have in your house and in your pet’s yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm or Easter Lilly, can be fatal.
Never allow your pet access to the area where cleaning agents are stored. Some products may only cause mild stomach upset while others can cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth and stomach and still others are fatal.
Never give your pet medications unless under the direction of your vet. Many medications used for humans, can be deadly if ingested by an animal.
All automotive products such as oil, gas and antifreeze should always be stores away from pet access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze may kill an animal.
Take a few minutes to check out your pet’s toys and make sure they haven’t worn out or broken. Pets can choke on small parts that may come loose and get swallowed during play.
Sticks and bones can splinter and cause choking or vomiting or they can perforate the mouth, throat or intestine. Hard bones can easily damage teeth. Instead use hard non-splitting chew toys to play fetch or to allow your pet to gnaw on.
Superballs can cause intestinal obstruction if ingested. Other types of balls, such as tennis balls or golf balls, may be too small for the dog and can cause choking.
Clothes, towels and similar items can be swallowed and can cause intestinal problems. this is also true of rawhide and some rawhide is preserved with arsenic , which is toxic.
Most importantly, and the biggest toy hazard are toys that are inappropriately sized for the pet.
Generally the toy that is too small for the pet is one which can be destroyed and swallowed.
A little caution around your pet will make for a long and healthy relationship.
Featured dog- Bandit and Lilith
Bandit- We cannot understand why this wonderful dog is still at the shelter. He was found as a stray and was very ill but has recovered and ready for love. Bandit loves being with people and can be a little shy. He will need a home with a secure fenced yard as he can jump fences and go exploring. He does well on a leash and prances when he walks. He loves toys, playing fetch and doing “zoomies ” in the play yard. He is a people pleaser.
Lilith- Lost her home through no fault of her own. She loves going for walks and being with people. She had lived in a home but will need refreshing on what her boundries are in the home. She is content to be by your side while you watch TV, work on the computer, read or whatever as long as you are there.
Other Available Dogs
Milo Extra large boy. Absolutely loves people and going for walks. Very strong
Stella- She loves people and going for walks. Gentle lady
Missy – Medium size super friendly dog. Loves walks playing and being with people. Owner became ill and could not keep her.
There are a couple other dogs that will be available in the next few days- larger breeds
Available cats- Oliver and Mallo owner is moving so they just arrived at the shelter They are getting settled and will be posted on Petfinder soon
www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com
If you’d like to visit with our adoptable pets, PLEASE CALL TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT (702) 346-5268. The shelter is open, but an appointment is required prior to arrival. Thank you!