November starts the holiday and cooler weather season. Here are a few tips to keep your pet healthy and safe this winter!
People often have friends and family visit during the holiday season. If you plan on having visitors, keep in mind that these people are strangers to your pets. Take it slowly, introduce the guests and let the pet get used to the idea of having unfamiliar people around.
Many people are tempted to feed table scraps and human foods to their pets. Many of these foods are delicious to us but harmful or fatal to your pet:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions or onion powder
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Poultry bones (which animals can choke on) and large amounts of turkey or chicken (which can cause pancreatitis- a serious and often deadly condition in dogs).
Instead of feeding human food, try substituting with turkey flavored food or treats. This will help keep your pet free from gastrointestinal problems this holiday.
As the temperature drops, some pets require more care, especially older ones and ones that stay outdoors most of the time. Keep your pet groomed. Matted fur won’t properly protect your pet against the cold.
Staying warm outside means burning more calories, so you may have to feed your pet more when the temperatures drop.
Check your driveway ad garage for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are very poisonous and can be fatal if consumed. If you pet injects antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Consider using pet safe antifreeze.
When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh water available and it is not frozen. Animals can’t burn calories without water and if they can’t burn calories they can’t keep warm. Also use a tip resistant plastic or ceramic water bowl instead of a metal one, as your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to cold metal.
Provide a dog house for your dog, so he can stay warm in the cold temperatures when he is outside. Make sure it is large enough for him to sit and lay down, but small enough to hold in his body heat.
Get in the habit of slapping the hood of your vehicle before starting it. In their search to keep warm outdoors, cats often seek shelter next to a warm car engine or tire.
Featured Dog- Fera
Fera is 5 years old. She has lived in a home for 5 years and is trained to use pee pads. She is used to a quiet environment. She is doing well going outside to play and go to the bathroom. Very calm and friendly girl. Fera loves people and has that “pittie” smile that will melt your heart.
Other available dogs
Peanut – Senior dog Takes time to get to know you and feel comfortable around people.
Koda- Extra large boy. Is on diet and exercise program. Has lost over 20 pounds since coming to shelter. Loves being with people., going for long walks and playing with toys.
Barbie- Border collie. Barbie knows sit, stay and does well on a leash. She loves being with people and playing with toys.
Featured cat Indy
Came to shelter with 3 babies Now it is her time to get adopted and find a forever home. Friendly and easily handled, loves attention
Other available cats
Bella – Kitten- black and white medium haired. Friendly and playful
Lover- Senior Siamese. Beautiful coloration. Likes to watch all cat room activity. Talkative
Kiki Dee – Beautiful coloration. 9 years young. Loves keeping you company. She needs to be in a home where she can feel comfortable
Crystal – Came to shelter with 8 babies abandoned by a dumpster. She has raised her babies and now wants a home of her own. Friendly and easily handled. Beautiful color
Soft and Furry
Roger rabbit and Pat rabbit were found as strays roaming around in peoples backyards. They were not found together. They are very friendly and easily handled
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 8:00 am until 4 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), Saturday 11am-1pm , Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call – Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268
All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.
The animals submitted to the media may have changed 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
