Outreach Blog
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What is a Heart Murmur?
Sometimes when searching for a new furry family member, you come across an animal that has something called a heart murmur. Although it may sound like a scary medical condition, many dogs and cats with murmurs live normal lives and never need any treatment! So what exactly is a heart murmur? A heart murmur is one of several types of abnormal sounds your veterinarian can hear when listening to your pet's heart with a stethoscope. It's often described as a "wooshing" or "shooshing" sound in between the normal rhythmic beats of the heart. There are six different grades ...
Proper Cat Introductions
To celebrate National Adopt a Shelter cat month, we are exploring education about our feline friends! Last week, we looked at the importance of interactive play and cat enrichment. This week we are taking a look at how proper introductions play a crucial role in your cat's life!
Life changes can be extremely stressful for cats, so when welcoming your new furry friend into your family, it is critical to help your cat adjust properly! Also, if you have other animals in the home, a proper introduction is key to developing a positive relationship ...
The Importance of Interactive Play
June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! We have some amazing cats available for adoption that are patiently waiting for a forever home. Keeping with the spirit of this month, we are focusing our weekly education pieces on our furry feline companions! Last week we focused on the litter box and why litter box problems may arise and how to fix them. This week we have decided to share the importance of interactive play! Cats are returned to shelters for many reasons, but most of which are completely workable situations. Interactive play and cat enrichment can solve many problems ...
Feline Inappropriate Elimination
Feline inappropriate elimination (a cat not using the litter box) is one of the most common problems that cat owners face. Over ten percent of cats develop this problem and unfortunately, it is one of the most common reasons cats are returned to a shelter. But for the most part, elimination outside the litter box is a manageable problem! The first step after noticing your cat is not using the litter box is to visit your veterinarian. There are several medical conditions that could cause a cat to stop using the appropriate bathroom, such as a urinary tract infection ...
Dog Bite Prevention
The Center for Disease Control reports that 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. Nearly 20% of those bitten seek medical attention and approximately1000 victims per day require a visit to the hospital emergency room. The following advice comes from Dr. Sophia Yin, a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, author, and international expert on Low Stress Handling.
Here are seven tips for preventing dog bites:
1. Since most dog aggression is actually due to fear or anxiety, it's essential to recognize the signs of fear and anxiety. The more blatant signs of fear are that the dog backs ...
Spay and Neuter Education
Spay and Neuter Education
Spay. Neuter. Adopt. Love
1. What is spay and neutering?
- Spaying-removing the ovaries and uterus of a female pet-is a veterinary procedure that requires minimal hospitalization and offers lifelong health benefits.
- Neutering-removing the testicles of your male dog or cat-will vastly improve your pet's behavior and keep him close to home.
2. How does the animal benefit from spay/neutering?
- Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Altering your canine friend will increase his/her life an average of 1 to 3 years, felines, 3 to 5 years.
- Spaying and neutering reduces the risk ...
Impacting Ohio Legislation
April 6th Akron City Law Changes
With the only two Humane Officers in Summit County, PHSGA officers are responsible for enforcing state, county, and city animal law. Led by Sgt. Kris Beitzel of the Akron Police Department, our two organizations pushed for stronger legislation in the City of Akron to protect animals and on April 6th, 2015, Akron City passed a new ordinance changing the law surrounding animal cruelty and neglect. These new laws are a step in the right direction for animal protection, and we are working to enact similar bills throughout Summit County. Ohio State Law concerning animal ...
Spring Wildlife Rehabilitation
Spring is a wonderful time of year! It is common to see baby animals each spring. While you may think they are abandoned, it is common for mother animals to leave their young for long periods of time. The best thing to do is not interfere! The animals' best chance for survival is with their mother. Only if the animal is clearly injured or in distress should you intervene, but only AFTER talking to a wildlife rehabilitator. Click here for a list of rehabilitators, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/find-a-wildlife-rehabilitator.html credit=web_id137246437 .
Time to Spring into Preventative Action
After a harsh Ohio winter, warm spring weather comes as a sigh of relief: especially for pet owners! Sunshine and fresh air provide a welcoming environment for outdoor activities with your pet. Long hikes, outings at the park, and even backyard barbeques are great ways to bond with your companion animals and help them get the enrichment they need! Unfortunately, with the rise of temperature comes the increase of insects and parasites that can be very dangerous to our furry friends.
Fleas and ticks can cause serious allergic reactions and also carry many diseases, such as Lyme disease and Bartonella ...
Easter Tidings
While the Easter Bunny may love the upcoming holiday weekend, real animals have more to worry about this Easter! Lilies are beautiful flowers associated with this time of year, with many different varieties like the Easter Lilly, Day lily, Tiger Lily, and Calla Lily. While they are pretty to look at, they are actually a danger to household cats! Cats can die of kidney failure if they eat any part of these toxic flowers. As little as two leaves can make your cat sick, and if left untreated can become fatal in just three days! If your cat ingests any ...
