Pet Care Tips

Check out our commonsense tips for your pets!

Giving Up Animals

Surrendering Your Own Pet

Owning an animal should be a lifelong commitment. If circumstances change, and you can no longer care for your pet, then it should be your job to find a new home for it. Did you know that over four million animals are killed in shelters in the U.S. each year? In the Midlands alone, 20,000+ animals are euthanized each year. Shelters are forced to deal with the public’s mistakes, and many animals pay the price by losing their lives. If you are giving up your pet, please be responsible, and do your best to find a new home for the animal on your own before deciding to leave it at an already crowded shelter.

Dealing Kindly with an Unwanted Stray or Pet

Domesticated animals are a responsibility. Their very lives depend on our kindness and care. Unfortunately, many pet owners allow their pets to produce litters born into a world already filled with animals that will die because of pet overpopulation. Please check our website frequently for spay/neuter promotion specials. Although spay/neuter prices are already very deeply discounted, we run promotions throughout the year as incentive for pet owners to get their pets fixed.

Stray Animals

If you have found a stray, we realize that it is a sacrifice for you to try and find this animal’s owner or to find a new home for it on your own. If you can make a genuine effort to locate the owner, or to place the animal in another home, you are truly doing something to make a difference. You are the animal’s best chance; his life is literally in your hands.

It is a popular misconception that shelters can do a better job of placing an animal than an individual. You are just as capable of screening for a good home and can probably do a better job than some shelters simply because you only have your animal to focus on.

Here are some suggestions to help you find a lost pet’s owner or find a new home for an animal:

• Make found or “Free to a Good Home” posters.  These posters are effective if placed in the right areas. A picture is worth a thousand words and will capture a passerby’s attention. These posters should be placed on the streets, grocery stores, service stations, veterinary clinics, grooming facilities and pet supply stores.
• Advertise in your local newspaper. Most newspapers don’t charge for a “Free to a Good Home” ad.  Always use positive language to describe the pet’s best qualities (i.e. “Ginger–a beautiful well-behaved black Lab mix, loves kids and likes to play ball. Big dog with a big heart needs a family to love.”).
• Always remember to screen the adopter by asking questions. You can learn a lot by asking their pet history and what pets they have now. Ask how many animals they have had in the last year and where those animals are now. Do they have a fenced yard, if in the city limit, or will the animal be kept indoors? If they have had, or do have pets, ask who is their veterinarian.
• Consider getting the pet spayed or neutered and vaccinated with The Humane Society and asking reimbursement of the cost. Many responsible adopters will be glad to pay for a healthy vaccinated and spayed/neutered animal. A purebred animal that is spayed or neutered will have a much better shot at a good home rather than ending up in a breeder’s cage for the rest of his/her life.
• If possible, deliver the animal, so you can see the home he/she will be kept in.
• If all else fails, or you are forced to place the animal in a shelter, please call one of the shelters listed above.

Loose Dogs

In some instances, calling Animal Control is the best option.  Strays can be dangerous, so it is important to approach loose animals with caution.  If you are unable to call Animal Control and choose to rescue the animal on your own, a few simple tips can help you and the pet remain safe as you try to assist a stray.

Don’t go by the dog’s body language. A wagging tail does not always mean a friendly dog. Any dog that is hungry, injured or has been lost for a long time could behave unpredictably.

• Always let the dog approach you.
• Crouch and call him in a high-pitched voice.
• Offer a treat.
• If the dog approaches you, talk quietly, let him sniff you.
• Move slowly to find something to restrain him.
• If you don’t have a leash, think creatively: a pair of stockings, scarf, electrical cord or rope can become a makeshift leash.
• Don’t drive with a strange dog loose in your car. Attach the leash to the seat belts or shoulder restraint.
• A friendly dog will make himself known.
• Dog shows up at your doorstep:
• Entice the dog to approach you first.
  Keep water out, but only offer food when you are there.
• Because of risk of disease or aggression, particularly if you have pets in your home, set the stray up in a cellar or porch until you have it checked out by a vet.

Dog Shows Up at Your Doorstep

• Entice the dog to approach you first.
• Keep water out, but only offer food, when you are there.
• Because of risk of disease or aggression, particularly if you have pets in your home, set the stray up in a cellar or porch until you have it checked out by a veterinarian.

Injured Dog

• Approaching an animal that is injured is extremely risky. An injured dog is in pain and moving it could cause more pain, making it more likely to bite.
• Call Animal Control immediately.
• Remain with the dog and comfort it calmly, but remain at a safe distance until help arrives.

Growling, Snapping or Skiddish Dogs

If a dog that you are trying to help growls, snaps or is extremely skiddish, your best bet is to call Animal Control to safely capture the animal.

Travel Tips

Don't Leave Your Pet Alone in a Car!

Number-one rule of automobile safety for pets: NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET ALONE IN A PARKED CAR! Overheating can kill an animal.

It only takes ten minutes on an 85 degree day for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit, even if the windows have been left open an inch or two. Within thirty minutes, the interior can reach 120 degrees—and even when the temperature is a pleasant 70 degrees, the inside of your car may be as much as 20 degrees hotter than the air outside.  Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun is constantly shifting throughout the day. Pets who are young, elderly, or obese are particularly at risk of overheating (hyperthermia), as are those with thick or dark-colored coats, and breeds with short muzzles.

This same precaution carries over to the winter months, too. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing an animal to freeze to death.

Pets Left in Car Brochure

Print these to pass out to people that are making this mistake!

Car Travel Tips

Supplied by the ASPCA

Whether you’re going around the block or across the country, the ASPCA recommends that you keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. You’ll also want to keep in mind:

• Don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects.
• Don’t feed your pet in a moving vehicle—even if it’s a long drive.
• Carry a gallon thermos of cold water, or bring along a two liter plastic bottle of water that you’ve frozen the night before.

Top 10 Tips for Safe Car Travel With Your Pet

For some pet parents, a trip’s no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
5. What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Travel Tips for Pets in Airline Cargo Holds
Supplied by the ASPCA

The ASPCA recommends these safety guidelines to pet owners whose pets have to travel in the cargo hold of an airplane:

• Make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a checkup and make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian within ten days of departure.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and an indentification  tag.  Breakaway collars are best for cats.  The collar should also include destination information in case your pet escapes.
• Book a direct flight whenever possible.  This will decrease the likelihood of your pet being left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandling by baggage personnel.
• Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and change position in comfortably.  Shipping crates can be purchased from many pet supply stores and airlines.
• Write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" in letters at least one inch tall on the top of the crate and on at least one side.  Use arrows to prominently show the upright position of the crate.
• On the top of the crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination point, whether you are traveling with them or someone else is picking up the animal.
• Affix a photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes, if the animal should escape from the carrier.  Also, carry a photograph of your pet.
• Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding--shredded paper or towels--to absorb accidents.
• Freeze water provided for your pet, so that it will not spill during loading and will melt by the time the animal is thirsty.  Tape a small pouch (preferably made of cloth) of dried food outside the crate.  This enables airline personnel to feed your pet in case it gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.
• Do not lock the door of the crate.  Make sure it is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency.
• Tranquilizing your pet is not generally recommended as it could hamper their breathing.  Check with your veterinarian first.
• Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold, so that any additional considerations or attention can be provided.  If the plane is delayed, or you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insis that airline personnel check the animal when feasible.  In certain situations, removing the animal from the cargo hold and deplaning may be warranted.
• Be proactive in monitoring the welfare of your pet.  Ask to watch your pet being loaded on and off the plane.  Keep a watchful eye on your animal during unavoidable layovers, particulary if the weather is extrememly hot or cold.  Your active involvement could mean the difference between life or death for your pet.

Winter Weather Precautions

Supplied by the ASPCA

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center urges pet owners to take steps to prevent accidental pet exposures to two potentially dangerous products used during the winter:

Antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol are highly toxic, and can produce life-threatening kidney damage in pets, even in small amounts. Most cases of antifreeze poisoning occur around the pet’s home and are usually due to improper storage or disposal, so it’s important that you take the following precautions:

• Always clean up antifreeze spills immediately.
• Store antifreeze in clearly marked, sealed containers, in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.
• Consider switching to antifreeze products that contain propylene glycol, which are relatively less toxic and provide an extra margin of safety for pets and wildlife.
• Be alert for leaks and spills from neighborhood vehicles when taking your pet on walks during the winter months.

Ice melts are available in both liquid and solid forms, and are used to melt ice and snow on slippery sidewalks, roads and driveways. Ice melts may contain ingredients that, if ingested by pets, can produce effects that include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, weakness, and low blood pressure; in severe cases, cardiac abnormalities, seizures, coma and even death can result.

Winter Tips for Your Pets

• Keep your cat inside if you can.  Cats can freeze, become lost or stolen, injured or killed if left outdoors.
• During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars.  When the motor is started, the cat can become injured or killed by the fan belt.  To avoid death or injury, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine.
• Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice.  Dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost.  More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes inside from sleet, snow or ice.  Road salt can be dangerous to animals.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin during winter because a longer coat will provide more warmth.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can
• act as a refrigerator in the winter holding in the cold and causing the
• animal to freeze to death.
• Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to train in the winter.  You may opt to paper-train him inside.
• Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities?
• Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him – and his fur – in tip-top shape.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats.  Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
• Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.  A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
• Active dogs and outdoor dogs may require more calorie-dense food to help them fight the elements.

Not So Cool For Cats

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and protection. But a car’s fan belt can kill or injure an animal when the motor starts. If you are aware that there are outdoor or feral cats in your neighborhood, please bang on the hood of the car and wait a few seconds before turning on the engine.

Preparing Your Horse for Winter

by John McGraw, Equestrian Life

Nutrition
Your horse will need to eat between 1%-2% of their body weight each day. If your horse weighs 1000 lbs he should be eating between 10 and 20 lbs of hay. If the temperature gets below freezing you may want to up the daily amounts of feed to help keep the horse warm.

Water
Horses need between 5 and 10 gallons of water each day. Make sure that if you live in a area where the temperatures drop below freezing, you have a way to keep you horses water from freezing. Horses cannot get enough water from snow.

Shelter
If your horse lives in a pasture, make sure you have at least a three sided shelter to protect him from the cold and wind. If your horse lives in a barn make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Improper ventilation can lead to damp stall, ammonia build up which can cause your horse respiratory problems.

Exercise
It is important to exercise your horse in the winter. Do not let them become stable or pasture bound. At a minimum you should exercise your horse 2 to 3 times per week for about a half hour. Make sure that you do not over work your horse.  If you overwork you horse he will sweat too much he will chill. It is best to blanket your horse after work in the winter.

Hoof Care
During the winter the moisture content of your horse's stall or pasture increases.  Increased moisture can lead to thrush. Make sure you clean and pick your horses hooves daily.

 

Summer Tips for Your Pets

• Never Leave Your Pet in the Car – The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.  Dogs and cats can’t perspire and can only cool down by panting and through the pads of their feet.  Pets are best to be left at home during hot summer days.  If you see a pet in a car alone, call local animal control.
• Don’t Put Your Pet in the Back of a Truck – Although it is not illegal in South Carolina, cause serious injury, and a dog could end up being thrown unintentionally into traffic due to sudden braking, swerves or an accident with another vehicle. Dogs should ride in the cab or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
• Dogs Should not be Chained All Day, Every Day– Keeping a dog chained all day, every day is not healthy.  It inhibits the dog from seeking shade, prohibits exercise and causes frustration in the dog that can lead to aggressiveness. If you have to chain your dog outdoors, make sure they have plenty of water and shelter, and make sure they get time off the chain every day.
• Watch Out for Fertilizers and Deadly Plants – Beware when gardening!  Plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
• Always supervise your pet around pools.
• Always provide plenty of water and shade for your pets in the summer.
• Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but limit exercise to early morning or evening hours.
• Hot asphalt can burn your pet’s paws. Keep them off asphalt!
• Pets can get sunburned, too!  Sunscreen can be applied to noses and ear tips.

If Your Pet Does Become Overheated:

• Move your pet into the shade.
• Apply cool, not cold, water over his/her body to gradually lower the core body temperature.
• Apply cold towels and ice packs to your pet’s head, neck and chest ONLY.
• Let the pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes.
• Most importantly, get him/her to a veterinarian immediately!

Hiking Safety Tips

Supplied by the ASPCA

Looking to escape your hometown haunts for a wilderness hike? Don't forget your pooch! Dogs love to explore our country's vast natural resources as much their two-legged counterparts—not to mention, hiking is great exercise for all. But remember, a hiking trail isn't your average walk around the block. The ASPCA offers some helpful tips for keeping you and your pet safe and sound on your outdoor adventures.

• Extending leashes are great for wide open spaces, but if your romp is taking you through wooded areas, it's best to leave the flexi-leads at home. Otherwise, you'll probably spend more time untangling your dog's leash from trees and brush than you will enjoying your walk!
• If your pup is the trustworthy sort and you want to give him the opportunity to enjoy some untethered time on your hike, first make sure that dogs are allowed to be off-leash in the area you're exploring. Second, be sure that he responds reliably to your recall command—even the most obedient dog might bolt after some fascinating new critter.
• Hard to believe, but not everyone is as enamored with dogs as we are! Some people get very nervous around unleashed dogs. As a courtesy, have a leash on standby to clip to your dog when encountering other hikers.
• Whether you're using a leash or not, don't forget IDs, please! Always make sure that your current contact information, including your cell phone number, is attached to your dog's collar or body harness. If for any reason your pet gets lost, a collar and tags and a microchip will increase the likelihood that he or she will be returned to you.
• You never know what you may encounter on a hike—so before setting out into the wilderness, check your pet's veterinary records and make sure his vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Training tip: Teach your dog to come to you for treats whenever you pass by other hikers, especially if they have dogs, too. Your dog will learn to not interfere with passersby, and at the same time, you're ensuring he associates new people and dogs with good things, like tasty treats from you.
• If a poop falls in the woods and no one else sees it, do you get a free pass? NO! There's no such thing as a victimless poop. Please have respect for your surroundings, native wildlife and fellow hikers by scooping up after your dog and toting the baggie back to civilization if there are no trash cans around.
• Both of you need to stay hydrated, so bring enough water for two. Don't allow your pup to drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or streams—in other words, "nature's dog bowls"—as they may contain nasty parasites or toxins that could cause her harm.

When your hike is finished, give your pooch a thorough once-over for ticks and other creepy-crawlies. Pay special attention to her belly, ears, and any skin folds and crevices. If you do spot a tick, treat the area with rubbing alcohol and remove the parasite immediately by slowly pulling it off with tweezers. Be careful when removing a tick, as any contact with its blood can potentially transmit infection to your dog or even to you. Wash the bite area and keep an eye on it for the next few days—if irritation persists, contact your vet.

Tips for Children and Unfamiliar Dogs

• Never approach a chained dog.
• Never run up to a dog.
• Never attempt to touch a neighbor's dog through a fence.
• Never touch a dog that is growling, showing his teeth, or barking hysterically.
• Young children must never approach dogs without a grown-up's supervision.
• Always hold your hand out first and allow the dog to sniff your hand.
• Never grab at a dog.
• Don't approach a dog that is a watch dog protecting his property.
• Never attempt to touch a dog that is eating or in possession of a bone or a treat of some sort.
• Never hurt the animal by pulling it's tail or fur for example.
• If the dog is leashed, ask the dog's owner permission to pet the dog first.
• Keep your face away from the dog's, when approaching or playing with them.
• Don't make loud noises or sudden moves when approaching a dog. Speak softly to it.
• If a dog is chasing you, stop running, as this encourages him to chase you.
• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog, and back off slowly and non-threateningly.
• Do not touch, or attempt to touch, the animal's eyes.