The most dangerous week of the year for pets By Ed Boks

Ed Boks and dogs and pets and fireworksThe next 10 days is the most fun and raucous time in most communities.  The festivities culminate around the 4th of July with outdoor celebrations, picnics, barbecues, and of course, fireworks. Before you pack up to the lake or the outdoor arena, stadium or even your own front yard to enjoy the pyrotechnic delights of the holiday, be aware of your pets’ needs and fears.

Animal shelters across the nation experiences a significant increase in the number of lost (and injured) pets brought into their facilities after every July 4 holiday.

Even pets who are normally calm and obedient can show unpredictable behavior when frightened. Dogs and cats can become frightened or confused by the excitement and loud noises of the holiday. I have rescued terrified pets who have chewed through their tethers, jumped through plate glass windows or over fences, and escaped “secure” enclosures.

Dogs attempting to flee the frightening, and even painful noises of the fireworks may lose their sense of direction and run long distances risking injury or death as they dart in and out of traffic. This is one of the most dangerous times of year for your pets.

Up close, fireworks can burn or injure your pets, but even if they are far away, they still pose a unique danger to your companion animals.

To minimize the danger to your pets take these few simple steps before you set out to celebrate this Fourth of July:

• Keep pets indoors in an enclosed area that they are familiar with to minimize fear. If possible, turn on a radio to mask the noise of the fireworks or other celebratory noises.

• If your pet is excitable, consult with your veterinarian ahead of time to arrange administration of a proper calming drug.

• If you have to be away for an extended time, board your pets with family or friends you trust and can assure you that the pet will be kept confined and cared for.

• Always be sure your pet has a current microchip. A microchip is the best identification for a pet because it is always with him and it makes it easier for YHS to find you should the unthinkable happens and your pet manages to escape.

• Even if you think your pet is ok with fireworks and noise, do not let him out when fireworks are being lit and set off. The pet may run at them and sustain serious burns, or bolt and run.

If your pet happens to escape during the holiday festivities, be diligent in visiting your local shelters every day, and posting “Lost Dog” or “Lost Cat” signs and canvassing surrounding neighborhoods. Place a yard sign in front of your house with a picture of your pet and your phone number. People who find lost pets will often walk or drive around the area attempting to find the owner.

Remember, fright can drive an animal to new and unfamiliar grounds, many miles from your home. So exhaust all avenues. This 4th of July holiday can be the best ever if you take these precautions to keep your pets safe and happy while you enjoy the festivities without having to worry about the family pet.

Life-saving microchips can be purchased at most shelters.  Please protect your pets this 4th of July.

10 Health reasons why pets are great for seniors By Ed Boks

Ed Boks and cat
Samantha is a sweet, and still very agile, 10-year-old Calico. Sam is looking for a loving home where she can display her adoring yet independent and therapeutic tendencies.

The Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) has a plethora of lovable senior (5 years and older) cats available for adoption. These sweet animals have many good years of love left – making them ideal pets. All adoption fees for all YHS cats and kittens have been waived for the month of June. That’s a real deal because YHS cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped – that is over a $400 value to you – for whatever you are willing to donate.

If you are a senior citizen you might be especially interested in knowing that according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society there are many health benefits for seniors who have a pet or two. In fact, the Journal states the benefits extend to the seniors, the pets and society as a whole. Geriatric researchers found seniors with pets are more active than seniors without pets and they score higher in their ability to carry out normal activities of daily living. Many positive effects on physical well-being are identified, including a healthy ability to fend off isolation and loneliness.

The Journal report says that pet ownership has a statistically significant effect on the physical health of older people. Further, the caretaking role involved in pet ownership may provide older people a sense of purpose and responsibility and encourages them to be less apathetic and more active in day-to-day activities. In fact, researchers found that elderly people who lacked strong social support (family and friends) remained relatively emotionally healthy during life crises compared with non-pet-owners placed in similar situations. The evidence demonstrates that pets provide real health benefits to the elderly.

10 Health reasons why pets are great for seniors

1. Pets Lower Blood Pressure: A study of health patients showed that people over 40 who own pets had lower blood pressure than people who did not have pets. Another study showed that talking to pets decreases blood pressure.

2. Fewer Trips to the Doctor: Seniors who own pets go to the doctor less than those who do not. In a study of 1,000 Medicare patients, even the most highly stressed pet owner in the study had 21 percent fewer physician’s contacts than non-pet owners.

3. Less Depression: Studies show that seniors with pets do not become depressed as often as those without pets.

4. Easier to Make Friends: Seniors with pets meet more people and like to talk about their pets.

5. Seniors Become More Active: Seniors with pets are generally more active than those without pets.

6. Pets are Friends: Most everyone, but especially seniors, will say that pets are their friends.

7. Pets Ease Loss: Older people who suffer the loss of a spouse and own a pet are less likely to experience deterioration in health following that stressful event.

8. Pets Fight Loneliness: You are less likely to be lonely with a feline friend around.

9. Taking Better Care of Themselves: Seniors take good care of their pets and better care of themselves when they own a pet.

10. Sense of Security: Pets help seniors to feel that someone they trust is always around.

If you are a senior citizen and want to take advantage of all these health benefits please consider adopting one or two of our senior cats today. All cat (and kitten) adoption fees are waived for everyone during the month of June; and for senior citizens (59 and older) adoption fees are waived all the time for both cats and dogs over 5 years of age.

Health benefits are not restricted to seniors only but apply to all people of all ages. Adopt a pet today!