June Tip of the Month:

June marks the beginning of summer here in the valley, and we have come up with a few tips for you and your pet.

As our community grows, and the number of dogs increases, we hear more and more about barking dogs and complaints. Here are a few ideas to help alleviate this problem if your dog is barking excessively.

Generally, prolonged periods of barking are due to loneliness and can become and obsessive condition. If the barking does become an obsession, it is harder to stop. The animal would rather be with us at all times and when they are left alone all day, they go through separation anxiety. The barking becomes soothing to them. Try giving your dog treats that they have to work at and toys to play with when you leave. For example, fill a hollow toy or Kong ball with treats or peanut butter and let them figure out how to get it out.

Music or TV sometimes calms the animal.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise… a sleepy dog is less likely to bark continuously. Go for a long walk or run prior to leaving the house. It is beneficial not only to the dog but for the owner.

In extreme cases, consider a bark collar for your dog. There are several different types and price ranges available. They have been shown to be very effective for habitually barking dogs. Check at a local pet store such as PetSmart of Petco, or check on line for more information on how they work.

As summer approaches and temperatures warm up, your dog (if he has ears that stand up) may experience a common problem knows as fly-bite dermatitis. The common stable fly causes damage to the edge and tips of the ears, producing bloody crusts and scabs. This can be controlled by applying medicated ointments and fly repellant to your dog’s ears.

You may notice your dogs and cats have started shedding now that the weather is warming up. Shedding can be frustrating for the pet owner. Here are a couple of ideas on how to reduce some of the shedding.

Feed a diet high in amino fatty acids and anti-oxidants. These are said to promote healthy skin, increase red cell production, and an efficient immune system process. Amino acids are usually denoted on the label as flower or plant oils. There are also products on the market that claim to reduce or eliminate excessive shedding. Check with you veterinarian or pet store for more information.

 

Featured Dog- Lola- female Papillion chi blend

Lola

Lola

Lola is everything you’ll love about a dog – and she’s portable! A Velcro dog is a good description of her because she will follow you wherever you go. Lola is a gem of a girl. This beauty shows boundless love and kindness. She especially loves human touch. This little lady gets super excited to make new friends her favorite place in the world is your lap. She’s a devoted and determined lap-snuggler. Being an adult, Precious is past the hyper puppy stage of life and ready to settle down in a lap-friendly forever home. Could that be yours?

Othere available dogs-

Peanut Female 7 month terrier blend Loves toys ad going for walks

Scooby doobie Male 2 year old Chihuahua blend  Loves walks and snuggling with you

Featured Cats Moon and Ava

Moon

Moon

Are you looking to give an older kitty a second chance on life?  Moon is a mellow 11 year old gentleman, who enjoys being petted and having his chin rubbed. He is a world traveler coming from GUAM. He is declawed in front and micro chipped. He has plenty of energy but he can be found taking an afternoon snooze on his favorite cat tree and would make a wonderful companion for a lazy afternoon nap. Do you know anyone looking for a nap partner? Maybe you?

Ava

Ava

Ava is a sweet and friendly kitty who is very relaxed and mellow. She can be a little shy at first, but don’t let that fool you – she loves attention! Her owner moved and could not take her with them. Ava is looking for a nice adult/teenage home where she will feel safe and loved. She is still adjusting to her new surroundings and would love a permanent home.

Other available cats-

Sunshine -Female 1 year old brown tabby. Loves people, knows her name.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268.

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com