Welcome to The Columbia-Greene Humane Society
Columbia-Greene Humane Society
125 Humane-Society Road
Hudson, NY 12534  (518) 828-6044

Soft Paws
By Aaron Clause

A Healthy Spring!

Yep, you know it – spring is just around the corner! I’m sure you are all as ready as I am for it, especially with this last snowstorm. Along with the dandelions, robins, ants and Easter eggs comes the reminder that it’s time to update and renew our pet’s needs! Here are some great pet health maintenance ideas that we should review around Academy Award time:

Annual Checkup and Physical!
If you own a pet, you owe it to them to keep them safe and healthy, and the first line of defense is an annual vet checkup. Update your vaccines, especially rabies (required by law) and a distemper combo (including canine Parvo for dogs!). Bordatella (Kennel Cough) is a necessary vaccine for those of you who will show or board your dogs, and should be updated every two months. As you prepare to mosquito-proof your yard from potential breeding areas (remember the West Nile Virus?), keep in mind that Heartworm is passed to dogs from mosquitoes as well. Have your vet start you right away on a heartworm preventative such as Heartguard or Interceptor. Ask your vet what other needs your pet may have as another year passes.

Prepare for Shedding!
Let’s face it – fur flies at springtime! Daily grooming with an appropriate brush or comb will help alleviate unattractive clumps of fur on your pet or your furniture. It will also lessen the chances of matting and hairballs as your pet tries to stay neat. Think about it – if you couldn’t take your coat off, you’d ask for help, right? Many people surrender animals to us due to allergies; do your pet a favor – if you are showing signs of allergies, have a scratch test done and make sure it is your pet before you think about abandoning a friend.

The Birds and the Bees…
Yes, indeed, we all know about this one. Yes, indeed, we CAN help the situation! It is this simple – get your pet spayed or neutered before they start having unwanted puppies and kittens that wind up in the shelter in cages!

The Worms Go In, the Worms Go Out…
Have your vet put your pet on an effective worming schedule to keep them free of internal parasites such as hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and roundworms. While you’re at it, mention flea and tick control medications like Advantage, Frontline, or Revolution to keep the external parasites away. Due to our particular area, a Lyme Disease vaccination might be essential. Of course, the best way to avoid fleas, ticks, and worms is not to let your pet run loose!

Exercise!
Not letting your pet run loose doesn’t mean not letting them run! Dogs, especially certain breeds, need much daily exercise to maintain good, healthy physiques. Prepare to spend some time exercising with your pup. Research the needs of your breed and follow up. There’s nothing sadder than a high-energy dog who is cooped or tied up and not allowed the proper amount of attention or exercise. Be kind and be safe – play heartily with your dog, inside an enclosed area with their tags on!
Our shelter cats and dogs would love some attention and exercise, as well! Feel free to come down and make them happy. Drop us a line at (518) 828-6044, or stop in and see us! . Thanks!


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