Improving the quality of life for both people and pets is the aim of a new program matching Tuolumne County Meals on Wheels clients with dogs and cats needing homes. Under the program, willing seniors will provide foster homes for pets from the county Animal Control shelter until permanent owners are found. “They would provide
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Finish your snack before reading this column. And take a deep cleansing breath. Maybe even two. We’re going to talk about anal glands. These small glands are one of the main reasons for “scooting,” that scourge of carpet owners everywhere. The fact is, dogs and cats scoot on their rears in an effort to solve
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“Woof-woof-woof, woof-woof-woof, woof-woof-woof.”  The incessant barking of a lonely dog can go on for hours. Dogs are intelligent, social creatures. To be left isolated with no stimulation or company goes against their very nature. Dogs evolved as active partners with man. They hunted, herded, protected and offered companionship. Dogs had jobs, got exercise and had
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Without protection from rain, snow, cold and wind, pets left outside can suffer physically and emotionally and, in extreme cases, develop hypothermia. Hypothermia develops when the pet loses body heat faster than it can be replaced. Subnormal body temperature, decreased heart and respiratory rates, collapse, coma, and even death can result from hypothermia. Just like
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Allergies are states of hypersensitivity, where the body’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance. They can be set off by insect bites, pollen, mold spores, mites, fabric, food and much more. Just as with people, allergies can wreak havoc on your pet’s skin, health and happy disposition. Fleas are a common cause. Their
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By Dr. Marv Ordway The western rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in our area that can inflict a painful and rarely fatal bite. In the foothills, rattlesnakes come out of dormancy in March when the temperature is above 70 degrees. They breed within a few weeks. Rattlesnakes hatch inside the mother snake in the
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Amid the economic downturn, horse neglect cases in the foothills have soared. We now investigate twice as many cases – two to three per month compared to one a month. At least four horses have been simply dumped in our area, and ReHorse Rescue, the area’s only equine rescue center, is now holding 44 horses.
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Just like people, animals suffer aches, pains and strains that make them uncomfortable but may not require emergency care. Dogs may tumble off rocks while hiking, get kicked by deer, or commit dietary indiscretions with foul consequences. Cats can also fall, get stung by bees, or experience diarrhea after indiscriminate dining. If the animal is
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The foothills are beautiful. No wonder so many choose to retire here to get away from the urban lifestyle and out into the country. So what’s the harm in letting Fido and Rover free to enjoy rural living as well? The truth is, the consequences of letting dogs run at large can be deadly serious.
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With many health problems affecting dogs and cats, it may be safe to wait a day or two before scheduling a visit to your veterinarian. Eye problems are a different story. With these, the watchwords are prevention and quick intervention, because things can go terribly wrong in a hurry. The signs can be obvious. Generally,
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