• Avoid Pet Peeves
• Common Household Poisons
• Dogs Die in Hot Cars
• Don't Litter - Spay or Neuter Your Pets
• Fleas
• Holidays, Traveling & Pets

• Caller’s name and phone number
• How long has the caller seen the vehicle parked there?
• Get the EXACT location of the vehicle
• Get the make, model and color of the vehicle
• Get the license plate number
• Are the windows up or down?
• Is the vehicle parked in the sun or shade?
• Is the vehicle running?
• Is the dog sitting or laying down?
• Is the dog panting?
• Can the caller knock on the window? How does the dog react?
• What type of dog is it? What does it look like?
• Where is the dog in the vehicle?
• Is there water in the vehicle for the dog?

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Don't Litter - Spay or Neuter Your Pets
Every year thousands of animals must be euthanized because they are unhealthy, born into poor conditions and not cared for properly or because there are no homes for them.

You can help! Be a responsible pet owner! Spay and neuter your pets. Contact a veterinarian for professional advice - the sooner the better. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss the best age at which to sterilize your pet. You can also call the Humane Society of St. Lucie County for low-cost spay and neuter programs.

The HSSLC is doing its part by ensuring that cats and dogs adopted from the shelter are spayed and neutered.

What does pet overpopulation have to do with me?
Everything. If your pet has one litter, even if you find homes for most of the puppies and kittens, in one year, all the puppies or kittens could have litters of their own. Millions of dollars are spend annually to care for lost, abandoned and unwanted pets.

The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your pet has a variety of benefits including:

• Reducing the tendency in male cats and dogs to roam
• Eliminating the inconvenience of the heat cycle in female dogs and cats
• Providing better health in both male and female dogs and cats
• Eliminating spraying in most male cats
• Facilitating training
• Qualifying your pet for a reduced license fee in St. Lucie County

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Fleas
Fleas can be the bane of pet companionship, these annual external parasites can leave the best of pet owners scratching their heads.

The biggest problem caused by fleas is the itching, though more serious cases can cause death in an animal. Some pets or people may be allergic to flea saliva, which causes flea allergy dermatitis (think super-itchy spots with hair-loss); young, sick or elderly pets can become anemic from too much blood loss.

These wingless insects are capable of jumping long distances. While cat and dog fleas prefer to feast on animal blood, they will turn to a human host if needed.

The life-cycle of a flea has four stages:

• Eggs, which fall from the host into the environment
• Larvae, which live off of the fallen fecal matter of adult fleas found in carpets and in lawns.
• Pupal stage, which is the cocoon. They do not emerge until a host is detected (via warmth / vibration)
• Adult stage, which feasts on blood.
• If you do have a flea-infestation, it is important to treat the pet's environment as well, to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.

There are many over-the-counter and prescription-only products that help solve flea problems.

Over the counter:
Flea sprays (both for the pet and environment), shampoos, collars are available, however many veterinarians do not recommend them.

While the costs may be lower for over-the-counter products ($5 - $30), they often need to be reapplied to solve a flea infestation.

Through Your Veterinarian:

• Topical treatments (such as Advantix, Advantage, Revolution, Frontline)
• Pills (such as Program, Sentinel).
• Many of these are no longer requiring a prescription. Talk to your veterinarian for the best solution for your pet.

They are usually dispensed in a six-month package, however many vets offer smaller quantities upon request. They do need to be applied monthly for the flea season. These products often have additional benefits, such as heart-worm protection, preventing tick, lice and mite infestations. Because of their ease of use, their safety, and their efficacy, they are highly recommended.

It is important to read all of the instructions carefully before using any flea-control product. Follow all the instructions. Never use flea productions designed for dogs on cats, and vice versa. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian.

Alternatives:

• Use a flea comb several times a week on all pets.
• Vacuum frequently, disposing of bags immediately after use.
• Long grass can host fleas: keep lawns mowed.
• Wash pet bedding weekly.
• To protect cats from fleas and ticks, as well as a host of other outdoor hazards, cats should be kept indoors at all times.

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Holidays, Traveling and Pets
Many pets are given up at vacation time because of a perceived inconvenience. Thousands of pets who were left with "pet sitters" are lost each year. A little forethought would have prevented these things from happening. Here are a few helpful hints about holidays and how to make them safe and enjoyable for your pet.

If You Leave Your Pet Behind...
Take time to explain your pet's routine to the sitter and include a list of instructions of what to do if the pet is lost.

The Live-In Pet and Plant Sitter...
Ideally a relative or a friend who knows your pet (or gets to know him/her before you leave and will be with him/her most of the day). Before you go, leave an adequate supply of food, grooming instructions, exercise routine and veterinarian's (including emergency clinic) telephone numbers. Also inform your microchip provider of the temporary contact numbers. If possible, leave your itinerary and phone numbers. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and has had all vaccinations. Phone your sitter a couple of times to check things out.

The Drop In Neighbor
Many agree to stop by each day to feed, water and exercise your pet. Make sure you entrust this duty to a responsible person (some students do this for a summer job). Get references.

Professional Pet Sitters
This is a relatively new field and is an excellent alternative to kennelling, especially for cats who often don't do well out of their home environment. Check the yellow pages for persons offering these services. Better yet, talk to friends and family and find out if they can recommend someone. Always check references and look for someone who is bonded.

Visit The Kennel and Check for the Following...

•Are the cages clean and large enough for your pet?
•Is water available at all times?
•Do the kennel owners insist on all vaccinations?
•How often will your pet receive exercise? What kind of exercise?
•Is the boarding agreement complete and satisfactory?
•Is a veterinarian on call 24 hours? You might check with the doctor's office to verify.

If You Take Your Pet With You...

•Keep complete identification and rabies tag on your dog or cat at all times.
•Carry current health and vaccination certificates
•Book your hotel in advance in a hotel that allows pets.
•Do not leave your pet alone in a hotel room without familiar toys and bedding. It is a good idea to bring a pet carrier or even a crate with you.

Traveling By Car...

•Make sure your pet is used to traveling in the car. If necessary take him/her on a few short rides before vacation time.
•Do not leave your pet in the car during warm weather, even with the window open. Heat Kills!
•Do not feed your pet for a few hours before a trip. Bring along fresh cool water and a familiar water bowl.
•Allow for exercise breaks during long trips. They're good for both you and a your pet.

Traveling By Air...
If traveling by air or train, make sure to check on the policies of the carrier or train line beforehand.

Air travel is of most concern when taking pets on vacation. It is recommended that you do not ship your pet unless there is no alternative. However, you can minimize the chances of an unpleasant experience.

• Contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services.
• Ask about other cargo on your flight and placement of the crate.
• Feed your pet a light meal at least 6 hours before departure.
• Try to schedule the flight so that there are a minimum of stops and transfers.
• Choose early morning or late evening flights during warm weather.
• Make sure the shipping container is well constructed. The proper cage, available from airlines or pet supply stores, should have the following features:
  • Large enough to allow the animal to stand, lie down or turn around
  • Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material
  • Label "LIVE ANIMAL" with arrows indicating upright position. Include your name, pet's name, address, phone number and destination.
  • Find out about quarantine regulations, required health certificates and location of quarantine facility at your destination.
  • Tranquilize your pet - only with veterinarian's approval and instruction.
  • Pick up the animal promptly upon arrival

At the Cottage or Camping...
Remember, there is never a vacation from a leash, collar and identification tag. Do not allow your pet to roam. Many pets become lost and confused in unfamiliar surroundings. Many die from malnutrition, stress or disease. Encounters with wild animals such as raccoons and porcupines can be very unpleasant and dangerous to your pet.
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