PAWS: Dry bedding, shelter are bare essentials

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American Cancer Society Relay for Life Event Chair for Pittsburg County Joyce McNally, left, and Team Coordinator Cathy Good are gearing up to start planning next year’s annual fundraising event for cancer research. This year’s event, held in June, netted $71,000. Planning meetings for next year are scheduled to begin in September. By Kevin Harvison

February 6, 2011

By Joyce McNally PAWS volunteer and advocate for prevention of pet abuse and neglect The McAlester News-Capital Sun Feb 06, 2011, 11:44 PM CST

McALESTER — With the temperatures still down we do know one thing for sure — it’s cold! So how do we handle outdoor time for our pets? Is your pet an inside or outside dog?

Do you have a doghouse or shelter for your pets? If so, is it sturdy and warm? Your doghouse needs to be checked to make sure it doesn’t leak. Put straw or a nice warm blanket on the floor so your pal has a comfy place to get in and out of the weather. And check to make sure the bedding isn’t wet. If so, you’ll need to change it. You don’t want your pet lying on a wet or damp surface. The best doghouse will have an entrance on one side and not directly in the middle. That way when the wind blows your pal will have ample protection. If you can, hang something over the doorway for added protection. If you have a fenced kennel, it’s best to put a tarp over the top and sides as well. Then add that nice warm doghouse. And don’t forget plenty of clean water.

Valentine’s Day is coming this month and some precautions must be considered. This is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care. You don’t need to leave out your favorite pal, but remember — no c 2hocolate. Any chocolate can be toxic to pets, especially dogs. Many people follow this rule throughout the year, but become lax during holiday time. Don’t get into the habit of thinking that “one little piece won’t hurt.” If you want to give your special pal something special, how about a new fluffy bed or a scratching post for your cat. Birds love mirrors or other fun items for the cage. Cats love to play with string, but be careful of ribbons, tinsel or yarn. These “toys” can cause serious damage to your cat’s intestines if swallowed.

Another way to show your special pets that you really love them is by making an appointment with your veterinarian for a checkup. Don’t forget about vaccinations and preventatives for fleas, ticks and heartworms. And the best gift of all is to have your pet spayed or neutered. Your faithful pals will really know you love them and you can help eliminate overpopulation at the same time. What a great gift for Valentine’s Day.

Each year over 120,000 dogs and cats are put to death in Oklahoma shelters because there are not enough homes for them. Many others are abandoned to fend for themselves, often starving or killing livestock to survive. Over $5 million dollars each year is spent on animal control in Oklahoma. This sum covers mainly the cost of picking up, housing and then killing unwanted pets. All taxpayers foot the bill for the irresponsible pet owners who produce unwanted litters of dogs and cats. There is no reason to start this cycle again each spring. Each animal that is sterilized before spring is prevented from producing litters that will add to this year’s problems, as well as this year’s costs for animal control. Behavior associated with breeding, including roaming and fighting, often turn dogs into neighborhood nuisances and worse. Sterilization and vaccination are part of responsible pet ownership. PAWS has an income-based spay and neuter program and you may qualify for assistance. Make that call today at 470-7297.

Joyce McNally is a PAWS volunteer and advocate for prevention of pet abuse and neglect. Comments or questions can be directed to her at wwjoyce@

swbell.net.

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