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Posts Tagged ‘cats’

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Keep Pets Safe As Winter Storms Approach

In National News, Uncategorized, weather on January 3, 2025 at 2:47 pm

January 3, 2025, DAYTON, OHIO – As a major winter storm approaches Ohio, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton urges pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can pose severe risks to pets, but their safety and well-being can be ensured with proactive care.

Top Winter Storm Tips for Pet Owners

1. Keep Pets Healthy and Indoors

  • Stay Indoors: Whenever possible, bring pets indoors during the storm. Even animals with thick fur are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold.
  • Schedule an Exam: Pets may face health challenges in cold weather. Schedule a preventive care exam with your vet to ensure your furry friend is ready and healthy for the chilly season. Arthritis and other conditions can worsen in the cold, so a wellness check is a pawsitively good idea! Don’t have a vet? Schedule an appointment with us at the Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital by calling (937) 965-4399.

2. Outdoor Shelters for Companion Animals
Although keeping pets outdoors is not ideal, Ohio law permits animals to remain outside as long as they have adequate shelter and access to fresh food and water. For pets that must remain outdoors, proper shelter is essential:

  • Bedding Materials: Never use blankets or hay as bedding. These materials absorb moisture, freeze, and can do more harm than good. Instead, use straw, which is naturally water-repellant and provides warmth, comfort, and insulation.
  • Shelter Design: Ensure your pet’s shelter is sturdy, waterproof, and insulated. Position the entrance away from prevailing winds, and keep the shelter off the ground to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Access to Food and Water: Ensure pets have fresh, unfrozen water and adequate food to maintain their energy levels. Heated water bowls can be helpful in sub-freezing conditions.

3. Protect Paws and Skin

  • Paw Care: Wipe paws clean after walks to remove salt, ice, and chemical de-icers that can irritate or harm you pet’s feet.
  • Booties or Balm: Use protective booties or paw balm for added protection from the elements.
  • Check Regularly: Frequent paw checks are essential. Cracked or bleeding paw pads can result from cold-weather injuries. Clip hair between the toes to reduce ice accumulation during walks.

4. Avoid Toxic Hazards
Many things used by humans this time of year can be toxic to your pets. Antifreeze can smell sweet and appealing to your pets, so if you spill anything, clean it up quickly to keep them safe. De-icers can also be toxic if swallowed. Protect your pet by avoiding these hazards. If you pet does ingest these items, contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. Limit Outdoor Exposure
Pets have varying tolerances to cold based on factors like coat thickness and health. Adjust outdoor activities according to your pet’s tolerance. Remember, arthritic and elderly pets may need extra care, while long-haired breeds still need protection. Also, be aware of signs of discomfort, such as whining, shivering, or weakness in your pet. These could be signs of hypothermia.

6. Emergency Preparedness
As the storm approaches, have a disaster kit ready for your pets, including:

  • Five days’ worth of food, water, and medications.
  • Updated identification tags and microchip information.
  • Blankets, toys, and other comfort items.

7. Increase Food Portions

Outdoor pets may need more calories to stay warm, so consult your vet about their nutritional needs. As it takes pets more energy to stay warm, you may need to feed them more in the colder months to help their bodies produce more energy.

Resources for Pet Owners

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton offers resources to help keep pets safe this winter, including microchipping services and disaster preparedness checklists. For more information, visit www.hsdayton.org or call us at (937) 268-7387.

About the Humane Society of Greater Dayton
For more than 120 years, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has been a trusted advocate for animals in the Dayton community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners through education, outreach, wellness, and comprehensive animal welfare programs.

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Humane Society of Greater Dayton Hosts Free Microchipping Event This Thursday

In Dayton Ohio News, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on June 24, 2024 at 3:49 pm

June 24, 2024, DAYTON, OHIO – The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is hosting a free microchipping event, “Chippin’ in the USA,” to help keep pets safe and reunite them with their families in case they get lost. The event will be held on Thursday, June 27th, from 1:00 PM to 5:45 PM at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton located at 1661 Nicholas Road, Dayton, OH.

Free Microchips, No Appointment Needed

This free event is open to the public, and no appointments are necessary. Walk-ins are welcome! Microchips are a permanent form of identification that can significantly increase the chances of a lost pet being returned home safely.

What to Bring:

  • Cats: Please bring your cat in a carrier for their safety and comfort.
  • Dogs: All dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier.

Prepare for Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a notorious time for pets to escape or get loose due to loud fireworks. By microchipping your pet before the holiday, you can ensure a quicker and more successful reunion if they become separated from you.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, June 27th, 2024
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 5:45 PM
  • Location: Humane Society of Greater Dayton (1661 Nicholas Road, Dayton, OH)
  • Cost: Free

For more than 120 years, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has been a dedicated champion for both people and pets. With a steadfast commitment to all types of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, farm animals, exotics, small animals, and more, the organization takes pride in its role as a comprehensive animal organization.

As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton operates without government funding and maintains no affiliations with regional, state, or national animal shelters or humane societies. Every dollar raised directly supports their vital programs and services, making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and pet owners.

To learn more about their remarkable work, please visit www.hsdayton.org.

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Not just a cat.

In Children and Family, Local News, Opinion, Uncategorized on April 12, 2024 at 7:22 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Nearly ten years ago, my chubby tabby cat named Bray was diagnosed with untreatable liver and kidney disease. He was 15 years old and had been in good health, but the level of pain and suffering he was going through was worsening. Knowing what was ahead, I was beside myself with grief.

On the farm, I learned not to get attached to animals because they weren’t there long. While we had livestock, we also had many barn cats, several different dogs throughout the years, and even a few ducks and peacocks. Of course, I had my favorites as I grew up, and some of the dogs and cats were friendlier and more social than others.

But this was different. Bray (a name cobbled together from the words “baby” and “gray”) was my buddy who saw me through some pretty rough times. He was my first indoor pet and had my attached garage as his condo – complete with climbing shelves and a loft.

Since I’ve worked at home for much of my career, Bray would be right there. He would wander in and settle on the recliner I used to keep in the converted bedroom I used as an office. Of course, he couldn’t be bothered with things like conference calls or answering the phone. After all, like other felines, he didn’t have an owner. He had staff – me. And that was fine.

Bray was always a little overweight. Born at my family’s farm, he was kind of a runt but quickly prospered once I brought him home. He no longer had to compete with six siblings. In fact, he just kept getting bigger. At his peak, he was about 18 pounds and, despite his size, all energy.

This is Bray doing one of his favorite things – 2008

He would chase me around the middle section of my house which circled through the hallways, living room, and kitchen. To this day, a strand of elastic string is tied to one of my closet doors with a plastic ball attached. It has a bell inside, and Bray spent what seemed like hours batting it around and holding onto it while gnawing on the elastic.

I used to laugh hard when he’d suddenly let go of the ball, and the elastic would snap back and knock the bell against the door. It was like someone went up behind him and said, “boo.” He’d take off running through the house, his claws struggling for traction as he ran across the slick kitchen floor.

But then Bray started losing weight. He wasn’t eating and was spending time hiding under the bed. For such a social animal, that was unusual behavior for him and sometimes a telltale sign that a cat is sick. We went to the vet, and sadly, his illness had come on pretty rapidly. Little could be done, and what was possible would be painful and expensive. Money was tight then, but regardless, at his age and stage of illness, a full recovery wasn’t likely.

Sometimes, he liked watching movies on Gery’s computer. (2006)

As much as we anthropomorphize them, animals can’t reason as we do, so Bray would have just been in pain with no understanding of what was happening to him. That seemed cruel – to both of us. So, I had to let him go.

I was with both my parents as they left this life. I’ve had to put down cattle that were sick or injured. I even sat with my childhood pony’s head on my lap as he took his last breath after 25 years of companionship. But, with all of that, I’ve had nothing cut me so deeply as having to be the one to decide my little cat was going to die.

My reasoning tells me it was for the best. Even after a decade, I wonder if I did the right thing. Eventually, we have to accept that we chose compassion for the animals we cared for because they depended on us. They’re family and some of the choices we must make on their behalf are easy, others are devastating. As for Bray, I’ll never forget him, and I know there’s someone out there reading this and saying, “It was just a cat.” Maybe to you, but I know better.

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