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.

TiaFeatured dog: Tia

Tia was found as a stray. Tia is a sweet girl, with lots of young energy and curiosity. She would be a great dog for someone who likes to run as she LOVES running and is very agile, but she will need some leash training. She likes all people and will do well in a home where she will be exercised regularly and her people will be active with her. If you’re looking for a really nice and playful girl, with a higher energy level then Tia could be your girl. Tia seems to be house trained.  She is approx. 1 year old.

Other available dogs:

Billy male 5 month poodle terrier blend
Heidi female 11 month Chihuahua blend
Rachel female 9 month dachshund blend
Monica female 9 month dachshund blend

 

 

 

Sailor and SparrowFeatured cats: Sailor and Sparrow

Brother and sister team would like to go to same home if possible. Meet Sailor! She is quite possibly one of the sweetest cats I’ve ever met! She loves new people, and thinks everything is exciting! Sailor’s favorite thing in the world is to get attention. She comes when called and will jump into your arms. Sparrow is one of the best cats; he is a large, calm and quiet guy that asks for very little in life. He is very easy going and will never pass up a nice chin rub or scratch behind the ears. Once you start giving this big boy attention, he will rub and head butt you asking for more. They love to “hide” where they can see you but you can’t see them but will come when called. Striking white facial markings with white whiskers. 1 year old

Other available cats:

shebaSheba- Female 10 year old long hair dilute calico ONLY CAT in home

 

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

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl  and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER