Summer perils for pets to avoid

Watson here and I’m just waiting for summer to come. I love the warm weather and getting outside to swim. OK, I have to be honest; I don’t love everything about summer because there are some pretty mean plants out there, and I hate getting my paws hurt.

Yesterday I was strolling by the dog park, minding my own business, when my paw was assaulted by a goat’s head sticker. Ouch! Mom pulled it out but it still hurt.

Mom recently read an article by Dr. Gary Richter, who is on the Pet Panel, at Rover.com. He outlined some common dangers pet parents should be on the lookout for.

Ticks are really dangerous, and checking for them after being in tall grasses and wooded area is necessary. To protect against ticks there is an oral medicine when combined with a collar gives great protection. There is also a vaccine for Lyme disease, which is caused by ticks.

Foxtails are terrible! Mom usually steers me around foxtail patches because they can burrow anywhere on dogs. They really go for the noses, ears, and feet. If they become infected, it can be a real problem.

Another peril is heat. Just so you know, dogs sweat through their paws. We aren’t really efficient at sweating, so heatstroke can occur easily if we get over-heated. On hot days, don’t let us run because we heat up fast. Most important, don’t leave your pal in a hot car. Mom always leaves me at home when it’s hot.

The scariest peril is snakes. Indiana Jones and I have a lot in common; we both hate snakes.

The best defense is to avoid areas that are known snake hideouts. Never let your dog run into the bush unattended. If your dog gets bitten, get medical attentions immediately! There is a rattlesnake vaccine that will lessen the effects of a bite, but why take chances?

Well, hopefully summer will be here soon, and I know what to avoid to have fun in the sun.

XOXO Watson

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have four darling puppies. Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under five years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

Garage sale items. We need gently used appliances, furniture, treadmills and miscellaneous items. We don’t need clothing. Call us at 755-423-7500 and we will pick it up.

Dog and cat food. Our source for food has recently quit supplying our shelter; until we find an alternate food supplier, we need your help.

SHOUT OUT TO

Caden for your help at Bark in the Park. A Four Paw Salute to you!

Rema White for the bags of cans. You have a can-do attitude!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on June 8 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by and smooch our pooch. We have hoodies, shirts and hats. Be sure to check out our merchandise after you’ve hugged our pup.

DON’T FORGET

May Pet Holiday: Lyme disease Prevention Month..

Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a tree on June 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likeable.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.