October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

Please show support for the homeless pets in our community, and consider adopting a dog from our local city/county animal shelter or rescue group this month. Click here to read more

Our city unfortunately has to routinely euthanize thousands of both dogs and cats annually simply because they don't have a place to call home. Home foreclosures in our area have made matters worse as several families have been forced to give up their pets. Most of these animals are loving and healthy, and would make wonderful companions.

Adopted animals can offer several benefits. They are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and licensed. Older pets are available that are already potty and/or litter box trained. Often the animals are already full size, so there is no guess work. Many already have some obedience training.

If you are considering expanding your family, please think about adopting at our local city/county animal shelter. You can view some of the wonderful animals on-line at www.stocktongov.com/animals or see them in person at 1575 South Lincoln Street Monday through Saturday, the phone number is (209) 937-8274. We also have several area rescue groups including Animal Friends Connection, Stockton Animal Shelter Friends, Delta Humane Society, Pets and Pals, and others.

Dog Care Tips from American Humane

Identification: Tagging and microchipping your dog are essential to helping him find his way home if he is
lost. The tag should indicate your dog’s name, as well as your name, address, home phone number and cell phone
number. Microchips are miniature electronic capsules embedded under the pet’s skin. They are safe and effective
and provide excellent backup identification in case your pet’s collar and tags are lost.

Spay/Neuter: It is estimated that approximately 3.7 million animals are euthanized at shelters each year because there are not enough homes for them. Having your pet spayed or neutered ensures that you will not add to this tremendous burden. Spaying or neutering will also eliminate the risk of certain diseases and cancers of the reproductive organs, as well as reduce the risk of behavior problems such as aggression and territorial marking. A dog that is spayed or neutered will live a happier, healthier and longer life.

Veterinary Exams: To keep your dog healthy, be sure to take him to the veterinarian for an annual examination. Your veterinarian can detect signs of a problem — such as dental disease or heart problems — before it becomes serious, and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Vaccinations: To protect your pet from getting a serious disease, keep his vaccinations up to date. This is important even if your dog mostly stays inside or at home. All dogs should be vaccinated for distemper, parvovirus and rabies. Depending on where you live, vaccinations for other common diseases may also be recommended by your veterinarian.

Feeding: Make sure your dog eats high-quality food every day and has fresh water available at all times.

Training and Behavior: Most behavior problems — like constant barking or getting into the trash — can be solved with a little training. Don’t give up; contact an animal trainer or behavior consultant for help.

Exercise: Spend quality time with your pet every day. Playing with and walking your dog will allow you both to bond. It will also relieve your dog’s boredom, which can lead to behavior problems such as digging and barking.

Grooming: Pets need regular brushing, bathing and dental care, and breeds with long fur require frequent trips to the groomer.

Dog-Proofing Your Home:

• Use childproof latches on your cabinets.
• Place medications, cosmetics, cleaners, chemicals and detergents on high shelves.
• Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet.
• Keep food out of reach (even if the food isn’t harmful, the wrapper could be).
• Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent your dog from drinking harmful cleaning chemicals.
• Place electrical and phone wires out of reach.
• Put away children’s toys and games.
• Move houseplants out of reach — they may be fatal if ingested.
• Clean antifreeze from the garage floor and driveway — one taste can be lethal.
• Keep all sharp objects and tools out of reach.

Open Truck Beds: Don’t let your dog ride in an open truck bed. An estimated 100,000 dogs die each year by being bumped from truck beds onto the road and into traffic. Also, do not leash your pet inside a truck bed. Many dogs have been strangled when bumped over the sides of trucks and left helplessly dangling. If your dog must ride in the back of the truck, put him in a crate secured to the truck bed.

Unattended Pets in Your Vehicle: Dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than humans. Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly reach levels that are lethal to your dog, even when the outdoor temperature is moderate. With an outdoor temperature of 72 degrees, the temperature in a parked car can reach 102 degrees in just 30 minutes.