Pet BULLETIN
Special to the Star-Herald
“Responsible pet ownership.” What does that really mean? How do you know if you are being a responsible pet owner? I think it is commonsense, but I must be mistaken. It takes much more than food and water to be a responsible pet owner.
Pets are totally dependent on us for their survival and welfare; that means their mental well being, too. All too often I see dogs trapped in cars at the shopping centers when it is way too hot. I see dogs out in the winter with no shelter, food or water. What about cats who are unvaccinated and left to roam or dogs tied to a chain with little to no human contact? Here are some indicators that you are being a responsible pet “guardian”:
• Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can’t make the commitment, don’t get the pet.
• Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Don’t get a high energetic dog if you don’t have the time to exercise him. It will lead to frustration for both of you.
• If you can’t afford grooming or can’t do the grooming yourself, pick a low maintenance dog.
• Spay or neuter your pets because there are too many homeless, unwanted animals without adding to the problem.
• Don’t make your dog a “backyard dog.” Dogs thrive on companionship and need to be with their human pack.
• Be considerate and aware of weather conditions by not leaving your dog in the car on a hot day or in the yard without shade or water. It is risking your dog’s life.
• Make sure your home is “pet” safe. Pesticides, medications, household cleaners and some houseplants (dieffenbachia, philodendron, hyacinth, and mistletoe) can be deadly to your pet. Keep them out of reach.
• Provide consistent veterinary care for your pet. Keep their vaccinations up to date and make sure they have annual checkups.
• Keep an identification tag on your pet … it is your pets’ ticket back home. Both dogs and cats need ID!! Microchipping is good too, but an external tag is very important. It could mean the difference of your neighbor returning your pet to you or turning him as a stray to your local shelter!
• Obedience train and socialize your animal. I cannot stress this enough!
• Don’t let your pets run loose. Dogs should be walked on leashes. Any outdoor off leash access should be in a fenced area. An outdoor cat’s average life span is 3 years; an indoor cat’s average life span is 14 years.
• Provide your pet the proper diet and don’t love them to death. Obesity can be as deadly as malnutrition. Be aware that some foods can be deadly, such as chocolate, and fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
• Make sure your pet gets the proper amount of exercise because a tired dog is a happy dog.
• Take extra precautions during holidays like the Fourth of July. It is the scariest time for pets. Make sure your pets are secure indoors. Also, protect your pet during Halloween.
• Be kind to your pet and shower him with love. Remember, you are his world.
• Take special care of your pet during their senior years.
In the end, it is also our responsibility to do the right thing, to consider their quality of life and to make their passing a peaceful one without suffering. Talk to your veterinarian and trust your heart. You know when your pet is suffering or has no quality left. Sometimes doing the right thing means doing the hard thing.
Take care of your pets, love them and know that you mean everything to them. If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday or give us a call at 764-3441. Also, check us out on line at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
This is Grace Bemis and her brother Teddy Bemis. Grace had her 8th birthday and requested that instead of gifts for her donations be collected for the shelter. She donated $65 and change, along with treats for the dogs, as the result of her birthday wish to help pets in need.
