Hernando S.P.C.A.

Florida Animal Law

Animal Law for the United States

I saw this on Fox 13 this morning and had to say something. Peoples total lack of morals and humanity will never cease to amaze me. In Hillsborough county, Michael McKinney will face felony charges for dog fighting and animal cruelty. Deputies say “the scratches on Little man’s face confirm he was used for fighting.” Little Man is is a black pit bull. Hillsborough Animal Services also seized two other dogs from Mckinney’s home. There names are Monkey and Onyx. Onyx was pregnant and deputies found 5 babies and she delivered 5 more while being cared for by Animal Services. Unfortunately, one of the first five was found dead.

McKinney has been charged with animal cruelty before. In 2006 deputies found dogs in has yard in deplorable conditions and one was even found dead, hanging from a fence. This time however, someone caled authorities prior to the animals death.

Little Man, Onyx, and Monkey are recovering with the help of Hillsborough Animal Services. They have a long road to recovery, but hopefully they can be rehabilitated.

This case is no different than Michael Vick’s. This man should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Maybe we should pass a law stating,” If you raise an animal tp fight, and the dog must be euthanized due to it’s training, you will be charged for murder.” Essentially, that is what is happening. These dogs are extremely loyal and have amazing body strength as well as jaw power. They are only doing what they are taught. It is the owners of these dogs who are responsible for their behavior. It shopuld be the owners that are punished. Instead, many of these fantastic dogs are euthanized simply because they were taught to kill.

 Please support the Hernando SPCA or your local chapter to help give these dogs and many other wonderful animals a better life. You can save a life.

* Be sure to have a current photograph.

* You will need a leash to control pet and a collar with the pets identification.

* You will need a pet carrier, that is properly sized, for each animal.

* Have an evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! There are many places that are out of harms way that will care for your pet during a disaster. Check with your local animal control, humane society, specialized pet shlters, or your vet to see if space is available. Relatives and friends are also good temporary shelters.

If your pet must be sheltered, plan your evactuation route accordingly!

WHILE EVACUATING

* Pets being dropped at an animal shelter are require to have th following:

1) ID collar and rabies tag

2) Proper Identification on their belongings ( You will want the right supplies back )

3) A pet carrier or a cage

4) a leash

5) Enough food and water to last until you return

6) Water and Food dishes

7) All necessary medications and any special instructions you may have for your pet

Plastic bags and newspaper for cleanup

* Please take your pets as early as possible

* Call ahead to check for availability of space

AFTER THE STORM

* Pets will need to walked on a leash for a couple days to reaquaint them to their surroundings. After a hurricane there can be many hazards, such as downed power lines, alligators, and downed trees, all of which are new and may cause your pet to get disoriented and/or injured.

* If you return to find your pet missing, call your local animal control to find out where lost or misplaced pets can be found. Take a picture with you if possible.

* Keep an eye on your pet, often they may become defensive or even aggressive after a disaster.

PET DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

Your pet should have all the following items but you will need to take these with you.

• Proper id including shot records
• Plenty of food and water
• A cage or carrier
• Medications
• Collar, leash, and a muzzle if needed.

Helpful Links

Pet Friendly Lodging

F.E.M.A Animal Emergencies

Please copy or print this article and be sure have a solid plan that will keep both you and your pet safe.

Daniel and Elaine Fellows from Oldsmar ,Fl are in a battle with the Gull Aire Village homeowners association. Apparently there community has a one dog rule. The Fellows say they should have been grandfathered in because a real estate agent with ties to the properties developer siad it was ok to have more than one dog. Daniel and Elaine Fellows are the owners of Mistyblue and Precious, both are Italian Greyhounds.

Rick Mullins is the owner of Bellagio and Chutney.He stated he never knew about the regulation at all because a real estate agent who was eager to sell him his home did not tell him, even though he asked about the park’s rules.

These dog owners call the park president Sandy Larson and other board members “the gestapo” says Elaine and “communist” says Rick. They ride around on their golf carts searching for the most minute infractions.

Larson would not comment, other than to say, “I didn’t know there was a problem.”

Neither would homeowners association lawyer Monique Parker.

Bob Lyttle, a board member, said there is “a lot of pressure on the board.”

“There are a lot of people who say it’s a one-pet community, let’s keep it that way,” he said.

 The board rejected a proposal to allow residents in the 626-unit park to own more than one pet in February.

Before Rick Mullins bought his Gull Aire Village mobile home three years ago, he said he asked his real estate agent about the ordinances. He said the agent never told him about the one-pet rule, so he and his dogs, Bellagio, a 6-year-old cockapoo-Shih Tzu mix, and Chutney, a 9-year-old cockapoo, moved in.

“I asked the Realtor, ‘This is a deed-restricted community. What do I need to know?’ ” he said. The agent answered, “Just that you have to be 55 or over.”

Six months later, the homeowners association sent him a slip advising him of the one-pet limit.

The two sides tried mediation in 2006, but it failed.

“I told them they were a bunch of communists,” Mullins said. “I was in the United States Navy. I fought for this country for 4 1/2 years and it’s as if I didn’t belong here.”

Because he didn’t comply, the homeowners association billed him $3,700 for legal fees, phone calls and faxes.

He won’t pay it. A court date is set for Monday, but Mullins said his lawyer is trying to get it postponed.

He has tried to come up with a few solutions. He put his home up for sale but no one bought it.

And three months ago, he sent Chutney to live with his daughter.

But the dog was distraught about being separated from her family.

“Chutney revolted,” Mullins said. “She started wetting on the floor, she climbed over the baby gate and ate an ant trap, then threw up on my daughter’s new couch. She didn’t want to be there.”

Chutney came home and has been fine since, he said. Mullins said all the stress caused health problems, and in May, he had to undergo heart surgery.

* * * *

Daniel Fellows, 73, who also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He is on oxygen, takes 23 pills a day and cannot walk more than a few steps.

After he and his wife, Elaine, 62, moved into their mobile home 20 years ago, their dog died.

Six years ago, they replaced him with Precious, who looks like a tiny race dog.

“A while down the road, a breeder asked if we could take a dog with a fractured jaw,” said Elaine Fellows. “I got it in writing from the Realtor it was okay.”

Ever since, the couple say, they have been harassed by the board so much so that Daniel Fellows’ cardiologist wrote a letter asking them to back off because having the companionship of both dogs will aid in his healing process.

The couple said the board responded by demanding to know Daniel Fellows’ diagnosis, his prognosis and a list of all 23 medications he takes.

That’s when the Fellowses decided to sue. They’ve hired a lawyer and are in the process of filing suit.

“I felt they had pushed it too far,” said Elaine Fellows. “The doctor said these letters are going to kill him.”

Lyttle, the board member, said 10 homeowners were sent letters telling them to get rid of their pets.

“Eight of 10 have agreed,” he said. “We’re down to two.”

The Fellowses have no plans to give in.

“It would kill them to be separated,” said Elaine Fellows of Mistyblue and Precious..

Article found at St. Pete Times from reporter Eileen Schulte

* * * *

Wow , What a story. So do think it’s right for the H.A. to seperate these dogs after all this time? People please check the rules of your H.A. carefully. Who wants to end up in this situation?

Did you know that every year Animal Services euthanizes healthy, adoptable animals because there are not enough homes for them all. Last year Animal Services euthanized 3,590 animals. If you are interested in adopting new pet, please visit Animal Services and their staff will be happy to help you find the right pet for your family.

Adopting a New Cat

The kids have been clamoring for a cat. You’ve held them off for as long as humanly possible, but now you must decide whether or not to make the twenty year commitment to a new feline friend. To dog people, taking on a cat seems like no big deal—no house training, numerous daily walks or obedience classes. But if you are a novice at animal care-taking, hair on the furniture, paw prints on countertops and kitty games at 3 A.M.—not to mention litter box training and daily maintenance—can take some getting used to. Time must be found in hectic schedules for grooming, feeding and interactive play. If you are considering adopting a kitten, factor in plenty of time for socialization and supervision to ensure that the end result will be a well-adjusted adult cat.

Picture Purrfect
Cats had only one function throughout the centuries: vermin control. Only in the last one hundred years has selective breeding caught on—synonymous with the rise of the cat as a companion. Most purebred cats fall into one of the following three groupings based on physical characteristics:

• The natural breeds—American and British shorthairs, Persians, Maine coon cats were developed in cold climates. They have long, thick coats; heavy, cobby (square) bodies, and are the most sedate group in terms of energy level.
• The semi-foreigns—Russian blues, Abyssinians, ocicats are an in-between group whose body shapes are leaner and more muscular than the natural breeds. They have slightly oval eyes and their heads are moderately wedge-shaped. Their activity level is usually moderate with some high-energy exceptions like the Abyssinian.
• The Orientals—Siamese, Burmese, Cornish rexes originated in warmer climes; they carry little body fat and lighter coats. Almost everything about them is elongated—legs, tails, ears and bodies—to allow more surface area for efficient cooling. These cats are the most active and talkative.

Still, less than 10 percent of the world’s cats, both in and out of shelters, are purebred. The majority—common house cats—have charmed their way into becoming the number-one most popular pet in the United States.

When you have made the decision to commit to a cat, hop on the internet and visit PetFinder or head to your local animal shelter, where an array of felines resplendent in tabby stripes, calico patches, solids and tortoiseshell patterns awaits. The feline diversity residing in local shelters and rescue groups ensures you will find a kindred spirit. Many shelters vaccinate, deworm and test for feline leukemia before putting up cats for adoption. Some shelters spay/neuter before adoption as well. Ask yours for specifics on what is included in the adoption package.

Searching for Mr. Right
Before facing cage after cage of homeless cats, consider your needs and expectations. If yours is a full-time working household, I recommend passing up kittens and adolescents (less than eighteen months old) in favor of a more low-key adult whose energy needs will be easier to meet. If you are a novice cat owner, stay away from “excessive” cats—excessively shy, aggressive or demanding—for they may provide too great a challenge for your first experience. Your best bet is the friendly, outgoing cat, who nudges an outstretched finger offered through the cage bars and who nuzzles and purrs when you hold him in your arms. This profile is a particularly good choice for families with children younger than seven years of age.

Is coat color or pattern important? By all means, choose a cat who attracts you, but remember that the gorgeous calico hiding at the back of her cage may well go into prolonged hiding once she is released into your home. A cat who is social and relaxed at a shelter usually has the aplomb to meet the stresses that life throws her way. Consider the whole cat, not just one element.

A cat in your life can add warmth, humor and peace of mind. A cat can teach your child empathy for others while keeping her secrets. If you can make the commitment, a cat is waiting to enhance your life in ways only a kindred spirit can.

Content provided by the ASPCAJacque Lynn Schultz, CPDT
ASPCA Companion Animal Programs Advisor
National Shelter Outreach

General Cat Care

What you’ll need to know to keep your companion feline happy and healthy.

Background

Cats were domesticated sometime between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago, in Africa and the Middle East. Small wild cats started hanging out where humans stored their grain. When humans saw cats up close and personal, they began to admire felines for their beauty and grace.

There are many different breeds of cats—from the hairless Sphynx and the fluffy Persian to the silvery spotted Egyptian mau. But the most popular felines of all are non-pedigree—that includes brown tabbies, black-and-orange tortoiseshells, all-black cats with long hair, striped cats with white socks and everything in between.

Cost

When you first get your cat, you’ll need to spend about $25 for a litter box, $10 for a collar, and $30 for a carrier. Food runs about $170 a year, plus $50 annually for toys and treats, $175 annually for litter and an average of $150 for veterinary care every year. The best place to get a cat? Your local shelter! Please visit our shelter  to find pets in your area.

Note: Make sure you have all your supplies (see our checklist) before you bring your new pet home.

Basic Care

Feeding
- An adult cat should be fed one large or two or three smaller meals each day.
- Kittens from 6 to 12 weeks must eat four times a day.
- Kittens from three to six months need to be fed three times a day.

You can either feed specific meals, throwing away any leftover canned food after 30 minutes, or keep dry food available at all times. We recommend a high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food; avoid generic brands. You will need to provide fresh, clean water at all times, and wash and refill water bowls daily.

Although cat owners of old were told to give their pets a saucer of milk, cats do not easily digest cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea in kittens and cats. Treats are yummy for cats, but don’t go overboard. Most packaged treats contain lots of sugar and fat, which can pack on the pounds. Some cats like fresh fruits and vegetables, like broccoli, corn or cantaloupe. You can offer these once in awhile.

If your kitten is refusing food or isn’t eating enough, try soaking her kitten food in warm water. If that doesn’t work, kittens can be fed human baby food for a short time. Use turkey or chicken baby food made for children six months and older. Gradually mix with her regular food.

Grooming
Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat’s coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and cuts down on the incidence of hairballs.

Handling
To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Housing
Your pet should have her own clean, dry place in your home to sleep and rest. Line your cat’s bed with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat indoors. Cats who are allowed outdoors can contract diseases, get ticks or parasites, become lost or get hit by a car, or get into fights with other free-roaming cats and dogs. Also, cats may prey on native wildlife.

Identification
If allowed outdoors (again, we caution against it!), your cat must wear a safety collar and an ID tag. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. And if your pet is indoors-only, an ID tag or an implanted microchip can help insure that your cat is returned if he or she becomes lost.

Litter Box
All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet, accessible location. A bathroom or utility room is a good place for your cat’s box. In a multi-level home, one box per floor is recommended. Avoid moving the box unless absolutely necessary. Then do so slowly, a few inches a day.

Keep in mind that cats won’t use a messy, smelly litter box, so scoop solid wastes out of the box at least once a day. Dump everything, wash with a mild detergent and refill at least once a week; you can do this less frequently if using clumping litter. Don’t use ammonia, deodorants or scents, especially lemon, when cleaning the litter box.

Behavior Information

Play
Cats delight in stalking imaginary prey. The best toys are those that can be made to jump and dance around and look alive. Your cat can safely act out her role as a predator by pouncing on toys instead of people’s ankles. Please don’t use your hands or fingers as play objects with kittens. This type of rough play may cause biting and scratching behaviors to develop as your kitten matures.

Scratching
Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture.

Provide your cat with a sturdy scratching post, at least three feet high, which will allow her to stretch completely when scratching. The post should also be stable enough that it won’t wobble during use, and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark. Many cats also like scratching pads. A sprinkle of catnip once or twice a month will keep your cat interested in her post or pad.

Health

Your cat should see the veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots, and immediately if she is sick or injured.

Ear Mites
These tiny parasites are a common problem that can be transmitted from cat to cat. If your cat is constantly scratching at his ears or shaking his head, he may be infested with ear mites. You will need to call your vet, as your cat’s ears will need to be thoroughly cleaned before medication is dispensed.

Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)
Both males and females can develop this lower urinary inflammation, also called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Signs of FUS include frequent trips to the litter box, blood in the urine and crying out or straining when urinating. If your male cat looks “constipated,” he may have a urethral obstruction and can’t urinate. This can be fatal if not treated quickly. Urethral blockages are rare in females. About five percent of cats are affected with FUS. Special diets may help prevent this condition.

Fleas and Ticks
Flea infestation should be taken seriously. These tiny parasites feed off of your pet, transmit tapeworms and irritate the skin. Carefully check your cat once a week for fleas and ticks. If there are fleas on your cat, there will be fleas in your house. You may need to use flea bombs or premise-control sprays, and be sure to treat all animals in your house. Take care that any sprays, powders or shampoos you use are safe for cats, and that all products are compatible when used together. Cats die every year from improper treatment with flea and tick control products. Please contact your veterinarian for the most effective flea control program for your pet.

Medicines and Poisons
Never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. For example, did you know that acetominophin and aspirin can be FATAL to a cat?! Keep rat poison or other rodenticides away from your cat. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426- 4435.

Spaying and Neutering
Female cats should be spayed and male cats neutered by six months of age. Neutering a male (removing the testicles) can prevent urine spraying, decrease the urge to escape outside and look for a mate, and reduce fighting between males. Spaying a female (removing the ovaries and uterus) helps prevent breast cancer, which is usually fatal, and pyometra (uterus infection), a very serious problem in older females that must be treated with surgery and intensive medical care. Since cats can breed up to three times per year, it is vital that your female feline be spayed to prevent her from having unwanted litters.

Vaccinations
* Kittens should be vaccinated with a combination vaccine (called a “3 in 1”) at 2, 3 and 4 months of age, and then annually. This vaccine protects cats from panleukopenia (also called feline distemper), calicivirus and rhinotracheitis. If you have an unvaccinated cat older than four months of age, he will need a series of two vaccinations given 2 to 3 weeks apart, followed by yearly vaccinations.

* There is a vaccine available for feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This is one of the two immune system viruses (retroviruses) that infect cats. The other is feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). There is no vaccine available for FIV. Cats can be infected with either virus for months, even years, without any indication that they are carrying a fatal virus. All cats should be tested for these viruses.

FeLV and FIV can be transmitted at birth from the mother or through the bite of an infected cat. Neither virus can infect humans. Many outdoor and stray cats and kittens carry this infection. Because of the fatal nature of these diseases, you should not expose cats already living in your home by taking in untested cats or kittens. To be safe, keep your cat indoors—but if your cat does go outside, he should be vaccinated against the feline leukemia virus. Remember, no vaccine is 100-percent effective.

Rabies vaccination is required by law in most areas of the country. Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure of the laws in your area.

Please note, if your companion cat gets sick because he is not properly vaccinated, the vaccinations should be given after your pet has recovered.

Worms
Kittens and cats can be infected with several types of worms. The key to treatment is correct diagnosis. This will ensure that the medication is effective against the parasite your pet has. A dewormer that eliminates roundworms, for example, will not kill tapeworms. Your veterinarian can best determine the culprit—and prescribe the appropriate medication.

Cat Supply Checklist

- Premium-brand cat food
- Food dish
- Water bowl
- Interactive toys
- Brush
- Comb
- Safety cat collar with ID tag
- Scratching post or scratching pad
- Litter box
- Litter
- Cat carrier
- Cat bed or box with warm blanket or towel – The average cat has a “vocabulary” of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and happy meowing.

Fun Facts

- Crazy kitty! More than 50 percent of felines go wild when they smell catnip.
- Lickety split: A cat’s tongue has lots of tiny spines that help pick up dirt from her fur when grooming.
- The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 13 to 17 years—and we’ve known lots of kitties who’ve made it to 20-plus! 

The No-No List

Do not feed your cat the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Grapes & raisins
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Onions, garlic & chives
- Poultry bones
- Salt & salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
- Yeast dough

Content provided by the ASPCA

General Dog Care

Basic Care

Feeding
- Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need four meals a day.
- Feed puppies three to six months old three meals a day.
- Feed puppies six months to one year two meals a day.
- When your dog reaches his first birthday, one meal a day is usually enough.
- For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it’s better to feed two smaller meals.

Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of his daily food intake.

Puppies should be fed a high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Please limit “people food,” however, because it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems and may cause very picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and be sure to wash food and water dishes frequently.

Exercise
Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and keep healthy. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet’s instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.

Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, sex, age and level of health—but a couple of walks around the block every day and ten minutes in the backyard probably won’t cut it. If your dog is a 6- to 18-month adolescent, or if she is an active breed or mixed-breed from the sporting, herding, hound or terrier groups, her requirements will be relatively high.

Grooming
You can help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most dogs don’t need to be bathed more than a few times a year. Before bathing, comb or cut out all mats from the coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to soap residue. Click here for more grooming tips.

Handling
Small dogs, sometimes referred to as “lap dogs,” are the easiest to handle. To carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog’s chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting the hind legs and rump. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy or small dog by the forelegs, tail or back of the neck. If you do have to lift a large dog, lift from the underside, supporting his chest with one arm and his rear end with the other.

Housing
Your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A training crate is ideal. You may wish to buy a dog bed, or make one out of a wooden box. Place a clean blanket or pillow inside the bed. Wash the dog’s bedding often. If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure she has access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it’s cold.

Licensing and Identification
Follow your community’s licensing regulations. Be sure to attach the license to your dog’s collar. This, along with an ID tag and implanted microchip or tattoo, can help secure your dog’s return should he become lost.

Behavior Information

Training
A well-behaved companion canine is a joy. But left untrained, your dog can cause nothing but trouble. Teaching your dog the basics—”Sit,” “Stay,” “Come,” “Down,” “Heel,” “Off” and “Leave it”—will improve your relationship with both your dog and your neighbors. If you have a puppy, start teaching him his manners as soon as possible! Use little bits of food as a lure and reward. Puppies can be enrolled in obedience courses when they have been adequately vaccinated. Contact your local humane society or SPCA for training class recommendations.

You should always keep your puppy or dog on a leash in public. Just be sure your pet will come to you at all times whenever you say the word. A dog who is disobedient or aggressive is not ready to play with others.

Health

Your dog should see the veterinarian for a full check-up, shots and a heartworm blood test every year, and immediately if he is sick or injured.

Dental Health
While many of us may object to our pet’s bad breath, we should pay attention to what it may be telling us. Bad breath is most commonly an indication that your dog is in need of a dental check up. Dental plaque caused by bacteria results in a foul smell that requires professional treatment. After a professional cleaning, the teeth and gums may be maintained in a healthy state by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your veterinarian can give you more tips on minimizing dental disease and bad breath.

You can clean your canine’s teeth with a dog toothpaste or a baking-soda-and-water paste once or twice a week. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger.

Some dogs are prone to periodontal disease, a pocket of infection between the tooth and the gum. This painful condition can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Veterinarians can clean the teeth as a regular part of your dog’s health program.

Bad Breath
While bad breath caused by dental disease may not be too serious if caught early enough, some odors may be indicative of fairly serious, chronic problems. Liver or intestinal diseases may cause foul breath, whereas a sweet, fruity smell may be indicative of diabetes. If your dog’s breath smells like ammonia or urine, kidney disease is a possibility. Any time you notice your pet has bad breath accompanied by other signs of ill health, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, depression, excessive drinking or urinating, schedule a visit to the veterinarian.

Fleas and Ticks
Daily inspections of your dog for fleas and ticks during the warm seasons are important. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are several new methods of flea and tick control. Speak to your veterinarian about these and other options.

Heartworm
This parasite lives in the heart and is passed from dog to dog by mosquitoes. Heartworm infections can be fatal. Your dog should have a blood test for heartworm every spring—this is crucial for detecting infections from the previous year. A once-a-month pill given during mosquito season will protect your dog. If you travel south with your pet during the winter, your dog should be on the preventive medicine during the trip. In some warmer regions, veterinarians recommend preventive heartworm medication throughout the year.

Medicines and Poisons
Never give your dog medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. For example, did you know that one regular-strength ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a ten-pound dog? Keep rat poison and other rodenticides away from your pet. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426-4435.

Spaying and Neutering
Females should be spayed—the removal of the ovaries and uterus—and males neutered—removal of the testicles—by six months of age. Spaying before maturity significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer, a common and frequently fatal disease of older female dogs. Spaying also eliminates the risk of an infected uterus, a very serious problem in older females that requires surgery and intensive medical care. Neutering males prevents testicular and prostate diseases, some hernias and certain types of aggression.

For more on this important surgery, read our top ten reasons to spay or neuter your pet.

Vaccinations
- Puppies should be vaccinated with a combination vaccine (called a “5-in-1”) at two, three and four months of age, and then once annually. This vaccine protects the puppy from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. A puppy’s vaccination program cannot be finished before four months of age.
- If you have an unvaccinated dog older than four or five months, he will need a series of two vaccinations given two to three weeks apart, followed by a yearly vaccination.
- Puppy vaccination and socialization should go together. Many veterinarians recommend that new owners take their puppies to socialization classes, beginning at 8 to 9 weeks of age. At this age, they should have received at least their first series of vaccines. Learn more about the importance of puppy socialization.

Since laws vary around the country, contact a local veterinarian for information on rabies vaccination. In New York City, for example, the law requires all pets older than three months of age to be vaccinated for rabies. The first rabies vaccine must be followed by a vaccination a year later, and then every three years.

There are a variety of vaccines that may or may not be appropriate for your pet. Your veterinarian can tell you about them.

Please note, if your pet gets sick because he is not properly vaccinated, the vaccination should be given after your companion animal recovers.

Worms
Dogs are commonly exposed to worms and possible infestation—even in urban areas. Microscopic eggs produced by intestinal worms are passed in an infected dog’s feces. Most puppies, even from healthy mothers in good homes, carry roundworms or hookworms.

The key to treatment is correct diagnosis. This will ensure that the medication is effective against the parasite your pet has. A dewormer that eliminates roundworms, for example, will not kill tapeworms. Your veterinarian can best determine the culprit—and prescribe the appropriate medication.

Fun Facts

- The nose knows! Your dog can detect odors about a billion times better than you can.
- The average lifespan of a dog varies from 8 to 16 years, depending on breed type, size, genetics and care.

Dog Supply Checklist

- Premium-quality dog food and treats
- Food dish
- Water bowl
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
- Brush & comb for grooming, including flea comb
- Collar with license and ID tag
- Leash
- Carrier (for smaller dogs)
- Training crate
- Dog bed or box with warm blanket or towel
- Dog toothbrush

The No-No List

Do not feed your dog the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Grapes & raisins
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Onions, garlic & chives
- Poultry bones
- Salt & salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
- Yeast dough

The Scoop on Poop

Keep your dog on a leash when you are outside, unless you are in a secured, fenced-in area. If your dog defecates on a neighbor’s lawn, the sidewalk or any other public place, please clean it up.

Content provided by the ASPCA

In summertime, the living isn’t always easy for our animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

- A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn’t on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

- Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

- Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

- The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

- Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

- A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

- Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

- Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

- When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.

- Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

- Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

- Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets’ reach.

- Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.

- Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

Water Safety

For a lot of families, summertime means swimming time. If your pooch will be joining you on your adventures, be it lakeside, oceanside or poolside, please read our following tips:

- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool.

- Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your family, please introduce your pets to water gradually.

- Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.

- Try not to let your dog drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause GI upset.

Content provided by the ASPCA

Mailing Address:
PO Box 3161
Spring Hill, Florida 34611-3161

Phone Number: 352-596-7000
Fax Number: 352-596-7977
E-Mail:

If you have lost a pet, found a stray animal or have questions concerning dog / cat bites, nuisance animals or wild life please contact ANIMAL SERVICES DIVISION at 352-796-5062. The Humane Society of the Natures Coast should be contacted about your lost or found pet. They can be reached at 352-796-2711