Keeping Puppies Safe From Injury- from trupanion

Puppies aren’t so different from kids in their exuberance. The world is new to them and they are growing fast. It’s no surprise then that they often get into mischief or make clumsy falls. Taking reasonable preventative measures with your pup will make life much easier – and help keep your puppy out of harm’s way.

Put a gate before any set of stairs. Puppy tumbles are dangerous and likely to occur without some boundary in between the pet and the staircase. A simple plastic, wood or metal gate that you can pass through easily and lock behind you is ideal. Whether the gate blocks the bottom or the top of the stairs, you just need something to stop the pup from scurrying up and down, up and down.

Teach the pet a basic set of commands. Although training a puppy definitely takes some patience and due diligence, it pays off immensely over the remainder of their life. Sit, stay and come are three key commands that will help teach your pup some control and will establish yourself as the authority in the house. Doing so will make them much more likely to stay out of trouble when you react to a situation and they obey your commands.

Get the dog used to being in a crate. Separation anxiety can develop in puppies if left totally to their own devices. If you can ease them into their crate early and often, they will be a lot more comfortable in it when you leave home for work, errands or fun. Choosing to let them wander your home freely may give them the opportunity to chew up carpet, couch cushions or other objects due to nervousness and pent-up energy.

Always have the puppy leashed when going outside. Following simple commands is one matter, but being well-behaved while off leash and outside is a very different ballgame. It is recommended that you establish the leash as an everyday thing whenever you take the pup away from home. If you have a yard with a secure fence, you might be able to make an exception – but otherwise, keep the dog leashed when you take them out.

Make sure to spay and neuter your pooch. It is best to do so when the dog is still a puppy to minimize health complications. Equally important is the procedure’s effect of lessening a dog’s aggression. Canines that have not been spayed or neutered tend to get in more scuffles with other dogs. For the sake of your dog’s safety as well as other pet owners, go to the vet to spay/neuter.

Featured dog: TobyToby 9-9-14 008

Toby is 8 years old. His owner passed away and he is looking for a new home. He is friendly and does well on a leash. He is used to being the top and only dog in the home. He needs to have an exercise and diet routine introduced into his life so he can become the slim, fit and buff man he wants to become. He is shy at first then is your best friend and constant companion. Great lap dog.

Other available dogs: At this time there are no other dogs available for adoption.

Featured Cat: Paisley

Paisley 9-6-14 002

Hi everyone! I’m Paisley! Aren’t you stunned by my beauty and bright colors? I’m also a very sweet girl to people I trust, offering head-butts waiting for you to pet me. I will follow you around looking for your attention. I don’t do well with other cats, because they make me a little uneasy and I do prefer to have all the attention for myself. I will also be happiest with children of the older variety.

Other available cats:

Vinney- Gray tabby male. Wonderful laid back personality, very friendly and social.

The animal shelter has been hit with a case of THE MUNCHIES. A SNACK ATTACK IS IN THE WORKS. Please check out our latest additions. They have just arrived and are settling in. Not available yet but you can pick out your favorite now.

Dorito- dilute calico, Tostino –dilute calico, Frito- dark tabby with white chest and paws and Pringle- tabby with white chest and paws and orange spot on head.

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, Sunday 1pm -3pm. 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.