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Hold onto your Dog! Step onto the Log! Rattlesnake Season is Here!
Encinitas, CA -- Spring brings out Rattlesnakes following winter hibernation. Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) is reminding pets (and their people) that they can avoid snakebite by following a few simple rules.
"Sunset is when you're most likely to encounter a rattlesnake," according to RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. "People need footwear that gives protection. Keep your dog on a leash and on a well-used trail. And carry a stick. Hitting the bushes can scare snakes away."
Other basic rules tips can save pets and their people:
* Don't go places where there are likely to be snakes
* Don't put your paws, hands or feet where you can't see (like under a log or rock)
* Look before you leap. Step on a rock or log instead of jumping over it
* Take your cell phone for emergency (not to talk or text while you hike)
* If you stop to rest, look before you sit
* Be careful around water. Snakes can swim and they look like sticks in the water.
* If you see a snake...LEAVE IT ALONE!
Van Zante says that a rattlesnake's strike distance can be one third to one half the length of its body and it's faster than a human eye can see.
What should you do if you or your pet are bitten by a rattler? ""Probably most difficult, try to remain calm. If you panic or run, that spreads the venom faster. And get to a doctor ASAP."
Try to remember what the snake looks like. Your veterinarian or Emergency Room will want to know how big, what color, shape of head, and anything else you can tell them."
"We've also heard of people who pick up what they think is a dead snake, only to find that it's resting. And even if it's freshly dead, the bite-reflex can still be there. Leave it alone!"
And that old myth about sucking the venom out of a snake bite....That's a myth.
To find your new pet or to learn more about pet safety visit Rancho Coastal Humane at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.sdpets.org.
Don't miss the Adoption A'Fair on Saturday, May 19 from 11 - 2 at RCHS. Twenty animal shelters and rescue groups will attend the event with pets that need families NOW!
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO RETIRE?
Well, if you were a cat, you'd be very lucky.
National Cat Protection Society here in San Diego just remodeled some of their facilities for the retired kitties. Take a peek at the luxurious new accommodations. Makes you want to doze off too, doesn't it?
Nat Cat also provides a shelter so that homeless cats can be placed for adoption. For more information go to www.natcat.org.
Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary - the only no-kill, all-volunteer non-profit for dogs and cats in North San Diego County - has just moved in to a new facility in downtown Fallbrook at 230 W. Aviation Rd.
Open for adoptions Saturdays from 10 − 2 and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 − 4.
Stop by and see our cats and dogs and find a new furry family member! We even have Rag Doll cats, rescued from an ill breeder, available for adoption. You can see photos of available pets at www.FallbrookAnimalSanctuary.
No animal is ever euthanized because of space limitations. Of course, we can only take in new animals on a space-available basis so please adopt or foster a pet and spread the word about our sweet adoptable pets at the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary!
Photo below shows Janet LuCore, founder of the sanctuary who was just awarded "Citizen of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce for starting the sanctuary nearly ten years ago and helping to save over 3,000 dogs and cats in North San Diego County.
THE "EASTER BUNNY" DON'T LAY EGGS (BUT IT DOES LIVE 8 TO 12 YEARS)
Written by PetloversTHE "EASTER BUNNY" DON'T LAY EGGS (BUT IT DOES LIVE 8 TO 12 YEARS)
Encinitas, CA -- Cute baby bunnies in the pet shop windows. Fluffy little chicks bought to be Easter surprises. But the real surprise comes later when parents find out how much work it is to have a rabbit and that baby chicks soon grow feathers. Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) in Encinitas is reminding families that baby bunnies and chicks make really bad Easter gifts.
"Every year, a few weeks after Easter, we get calls from people who have stray Easter bunnies in their yards," says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. "In some cases, they chewed their way out of their pens. But just as often the families let them loose thinking that the rabbits will be fine. These are domesticated pets....not wild rabbits. Turning them loose is a sentence."
Van Zante says those fluffy, yellow, baby chicks may look cute on Easter morning, but in a couple weeks it's a different story. "A chick that is half fluff and half feathers isn't very attractive. And then it starts acting like a chicken. It becomes a 'pecking, pooping machine' with just one purpose....to become an adult hen or rooster. So if you don't want an adult chicken living in your house, don't get a chick."
What are some options for families who decide against bunnies of chicks? "Stuffed animals are a great alternative. You can get any kind of stuffed animal you want. There are no breed restrictions and they don't grow. They're a lot more fun to snuggle with. You never have to feed them or clean up after them. No Vet bills. And unlike pet chickens that live 8 to 10 years and pet rabbits that live 8 to 12 years, stuffed animals have unlimited life expectancy."
Van Zante adds, "For families that are prepared to include rabbits in their homes, we encourage them to visit RCHS or a rabbit rescue group. Let us help you make an informed decision. Having a pet rabbit can be lots of fun. But, as with any pet, the fun doesn't last if you don't understand the responsibility."
For more information about how you can adopt a pet that suits your lifestyle visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.sdpets.org.
Adoption kennels are open 11 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Monday.
Bring your furry friends to join VCA Animal Hospitals during the largest pet event in San Diego. Enjoy agility demonstrations, Sundance dog stunt team, hands on animal education, cutest pet contest, fashion show, petting zoo and much more! VCA Animal Hospitals’ teams, including veterinarians and staff from 12 local VCA Animal Hospitals, will be available at the VCA booth space near the pet adoption area to provide information and giveaways. Pet Parents will receive information on pet healthcare, nearby locations and services, opportunities to win prizes and “Ask the Vet” questions. VCA Animal Hospitals will also offer minor first aid for adoptable pets and on site cursory examinations, administered by local veterinarians. Attendees who adopt a shelter pet will receive a new pet parent gift bag, which includes a healthy start certificate for a complimentary first exam. Profits from the event benefits San Diego shelters and rescue groups so come out and show your support!