Fort Defiance Humane Society

Where your best friend waits

Itching for Spring

Spring is finally here, the birds are chirping, the bees buzzing, and flowers blooming; yet you furry companion is in much dismay. For you see, the fleas and ticks are looming in the newly greened grass. Without the proper protection your best friend will become a breeding ground for these pests. Keeping a monthly routine of medicating will keep your furry companions safe and from hurting themselves through excessive scratching, biting, and other skin irritations.Even though some animals are kept inside year around, doesn't mean they can be safe from fleas and ticks. You carry them in on shoes and clothing without even noticing. With out protection, once again your animals will itching and scratching to rid of the fleas.

Options for Fleas:Fleas  & Tick Medication: Once a month protection is simple to administer and can be marked on a calender for a reminder. This is one of the best options for protection. Brands work differently with different animals, so at first this may be a trial and error process. You can find these medications at your local vets office,  pet specialty store, or even your local grocery store/


Flea Shampoo/Conditioner: This helps to soothe the irritation and bites that fleas cause. It also helps  for preventative reasons, but do not solely rely on this, because it will no fully protect the animals.

Flea Collars: This is one of the basic and cost effective ways of treatment. It is as simple as selecting the right collar for your pet. These are based on the size and weight of your animal, as well as type. Be sure to find the right collar for your pet because their bodies may not tolerate it. Each collar has a different dosage so be careful!

Spring Fling

Let's face it though you love your cat or dog, but you know the inevitable. More than likely there will be a heat fiasco this spring. The messiness of your female dog once in heat is a pain and can become tiresome to continue battling it. Once spayed this problem is no longer a hassle. And as for the constant whining and pacing of female cats, there is no longer an issue.
 
As for the males, those annoying habits such as territory marking and humping are all eliminated. They will feel much more relaxed and content, not to mention the neighbors will too.
 
Did you know that cats as young as 5 months can experience a heat cycle?  Starting at that tender age, a female could bear 2 litters before she is even considered to be an adult cat.  A male could father hundreds of kittens before his first birthday. Unfortunately, this is a leading cause for overpopulation for both dogs and cats. Many fail to spy/neuter their animals, then wind up with puppies or kittens that the human doesn't want, or can't afford to take care of. This is a problem for humane societies across the nation. Many are faced with the ultimatum of turning an animal down that needs a home, and has a better chance, or euthinization.  This is a decision that no one wants to make. If there were more willing adopters, this problem decrease. But unfortunately, nearly every family in America would have to adopt at least two animals for it to disappear completely. As we all know this scenario will never happen.
 
Spring can be the time for millions of kittens could arrive, born into a world where a reliable food source is a luxury and the future is uncertain, unless you help us stop the cycle before it starts.

 

MYTH: Spaying/Neutering my pet will change it's personality.

FACT: Spaying/ Neutering actually prevents roaming and prevents the need and or distraction of finding a mate. This puts more attention on you, and less attention on mate attraction.

MYTH: My Female Cat/Dog needs to have at least one litter.

FACT: Your Pet will be much more healthy if she never sexually matures.

MYTH: It is wrong to deprive animals the right to reproduce.

FACT: Actually, if you spay/neuter your animal will live much longer. Therefore you are depriving it of a longer, happier, healthier life.

MYTH: Animal Shelters will take care of surplus animals.

Fact: Animal Shelters do their best to take care of every animal that comes through the doors. Unfortunately the number of animals that are dropped off, exceeds the number of people willing to adopt. This poses a huge problem, as there are not enough resources, nor space. This leaves many loving and healthy animals to be euthanized.This is always a hard decision to make, but it is one that is a necessary evil.

 
So, please be a pal,  P.A.L.  Spay or neuter your pets to Prevent A Litter

Indoor Living

By the way, if you wonder what your indoor cat is missing, here’s a brief list:  fights with other animals; attacks by other animals; infections; puncture wounds; fleas, ticks, and worms; being stolen; car accidents; animals with rabies or other deadly diseases, the cute little child who might choose to play with your pet a little too roughly, thinking it’s a toy.  As if these aren’t reasons enough, how about the fact that on average, outdoor cats live just 2 to 5 years while indoor cats live as many as 15.  As you can see, the picture for indoor cats is a whole lot prettier than for outside kitties.

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FDHS is an independent 501c(3)organization which is able to operate because of the generosity of our community. We sincerely appreciate your support!