Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
5 Tips to Protecting Your Pet from the Heat
While you're inside, avoiding the intense heat of our Virginia summers, don't forget that Fido is also looking for an escape. It's important to keep in mind a few easy tips that will prevent your furry friend from becoming dehydrated or suffering from heat stroke.
1. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade to relax in during the day. If you don't have large trees or a covered patio in the yard, consider ways to keep your pet inside as much as possible when it's hot. Keep in mind that there might be days when even the shade is too hot to be comfortable. Also, remove bedding from your dog's crate. Your dog will be much more comfortable laying on the cool crate bottom rather than a pile of blankets.
2. Refill your dog's bowl with plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day. Don't make your pooch drink warm, stale water. Also consider giving him an ice cube treat to help him beat the heat!
3. NEVER leave your dog in the car when it's hot. Not even for five minutes. Doing so is putting him at risk for heat stroke, which is a serious medical emergency.
4. Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. When you take your dog for a walk, remember that he's doing it in a fur coat and the heat may be too much for him to handle. Also, the cement and asphalt may burn his paws, so stick to the grass.
5. Watch for signs of dehydration or heat stroke. Dogs can't sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, eyes will become bloodshot and it may even start foaming. Don't wait for symptoms to progress. Get your dog into a cool location and provide small drinks of cold water.
If you keep these tips in mind, you and your furry friend will enjoy a fun and healthy summer together!
1. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade to relax in during the day. If you don't have large trees or a covered patio in the yard, consider ways to keep your pet inside as much as possible when it's hot. Keep in mind that there might be days when even the shade is too hot to be comfortable. Also, remove bedding from your dog's crate. Your dog will be much more comfortable laying on the cool crate bottom rather than a pile of blankets.
2. Refill your dog's bowl with plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day. Don't make your pooch drink warm, stale water. Also consider giving him an ice cube treat to help him beat the heat!
3. NEVER leave your dog in the car when it's hot. Not even for five minutes. Doing so is putting him at risk for heat stroke, which is a serious medical emergency.
4. Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. When you take your dog for a walk, remember that he's doing it in a fur coat and the heat may be too much for him to handle. Also, the cement and asphalt may burn his paws, so stick to the grass.
5. Watch for signs of dehydration or heat stroke. Dogs can't sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, eyes will become bloodshot and it may even start foaming. Don't wait for symptoms to progress. Get your dog into a cool location and provide small drinks of cold water.
If you keep these tips in mind, you and your furry friend will enjoy a fun and healthy summer together!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
FREE Dog Spay/Neuter Surgeries
In an effort to eliminate pet overpopulation in our community PHS is offering FREE dog spay/neuter surgeries to Portsmouth pet owners. To qualify, the pet owners must live in the neighborhoods of Craddock, Prentis Park or Lincoln Park or residents who receive Government Aid (proof required).
For all other Portsmouth pet owners, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations are available through our mobile clinics.
For all other Portsmouth pet owners, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations are available through our mobile clinics.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Donate Your Time- Volunteer!
Donating to our shelter doesn't always mean giving monetary gifts. In fact, there are many other ways you can show your support for the animals at the shelter. One way is to volunteer your time to help the animals!
There are many ways you can volunteer. You can walk a dog, cuddle a cat, wash food dishes, help clean the cages or assist at one of our many off site events. On a day to day basis we rely greatly on the support our volunteers can provide to the animals.
We are excited to announce our newest Volunteer Opportunity, the P.A.C.K Training Team!
The P.A.C.K (Portsmouth Association of Canine Knowledge) is a group of PHS volunteers who are trained to teach dogs basic obedience commands and focus on any behavioral issues so the dogs may be more prepared for their forever homes. The P.A.C.K Team is open to any PHS Volunteer who is willing to dedicate at least 1 hour per week to spend with an assigned dog, as well as attend a monthly training meeting with a certified trainer to evaluate the dog's progress. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our Volunteer Manager at volunteermgr@portsmouthhumanesociety.org or by calling (757) 397-6004.
We hope you can find a place in your life and your heart to support our animals!
There are many ways you can volunteer. You can walk a dog, cuddle a cat, wash food dishes, help clean the cages or assist at one of our many off site events. On a day to day basis we rely greatly on the support our volunteers can provide to the animals.
We are excited to announce our newest Volunteer Opportunity, the P.A.C.K Training Team!
The P.A.C.K (Portsmouth Association of Canine Knowledge) is a group of PHS volunteers who are trained to teach dogs basic obedience commands and focus on any behavioral issues so the dogs may be more prepared for their forever homes. The P.A.C.K Team is open to any PHS Volunteer who is willing to dedicate at least 1 hour per week to spend with an assigned dog, as well as attend a monthly training meeting with a certified trainer to evaluate the dog's progress. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our Volunteer Manager at volunteermgr@portsmouthhumanesociety.org or by calling (757) 397-6004.
We hope you can find a place in your life and your heart to support our animals!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Buckets and Buckets of Kittens...Welcome to Kitten Season!
Kitten Season is upon us at PHS and we will soon be flooded with kittens who may be too young to be adopted (they must be 8 weeks old to be available for adoption). What is Kitten Season you ask? Kitten Season is the time of year when cats give birth, filling our shelter with litters and litters of kittens. The Kitten Season begins in spring, peaks in the late spring or early summer and ends in the fall.
Unfortunately, we do not have the space and resources to care for each of these kittens the way they deserve- which is where our Foster Parents come in handy!
2nd Annual "Cause for Paws" is almost here!
Join us on April 17 from 12pm-4pm for the annual "Cause for Paws" Dog Walk & Festival! The event will be held at North Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth and is sure to be a good time for all involved.
We invite you to register to participate in the 1 Mile Dog Walk by visiting http://www.portsmouthhumanesociety.org/causeforpaws.html. You can win some great prizes by getting friends, family and co-workers to sponsor you!
There will be a festival involving Animal Rescue Groups, local Vendors, raffle prizes, great food and fun! Of course all are invited, two-legged and four!!
Socialize With Us!
Welcome to the Portsmouth Humane Society blog! We've joined Facebook and Twitter, so a blog is the next best step. Stay tunned as we discuss upcoming events and happenings at PHS, as well as trends in the Animal Welfare scene!
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