Help Your Pets Beat the Summer Heat

As the excessive heat warning rages on throughout Wisconsin, people are trying to find ways to keep cool. But if the heat is tough on you, imagine your pets! Your pets rely on you for their survival, so it’s important you do your best to prevent them from overheating. Here are a couple of ways to keep your pets cool in excessive heat:

• Never leave your pets in a parked car. On a warm day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Your pet could suffer irreversible organ damage and can be fatal. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact the nearest animal shelter or police.
• Shade and water are a must. It is not recommended to keep your pet outside in this kind of weather, but if you want them to spend some time outside, be sure that they have protection from the heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cool water, but only for limited amounts of time. Heatstroke can be fatal to pets, as well as people.
• Limit exercise. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Watch for white-colored ears and short-nosed pets (difficulty breathing). Asphalt also gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk in the grass if possible.
• Recognize heat stroke. Signs include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, restlessness, excessive thirst, a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness.
• If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, act immediately! Move the animal to shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels on their head, neck and chest, or run cool (not cold) water over them. Have them drink small amount of cools water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.

If you don’t have access to air conditioning in your home or apartment, always be sure to leave lots of cool, fresh water and one (or a couple) of fans on. It also helps to close the windows (especially in humid situations) and shut all the blinds to avoid the sun from coming in and insulatating the heat. There are also a few options, especially if you don’t have air conditioning, to keep your pets cool in excessive heat. Humane Domain sells Keep Cool Mats, body wraps or vests that can be used for your pets in the hot weather. They are very handy and can be your pet’s go-to spot in a cool place in your home.

For more ways or information on keeping your pets cool in excessive heat, visit aspca.org or humanesociety.org.

The Truth About Declawing

When you are considering adopting cat, there are lots of things to think about — including declawing. Most people choose to declaw because they think it is a common procedure, are misinformed or don’t completely understand what it is. Truth is, declawing a cat is the equivalent of removing up to the first knuckle on a human hand (think of the inconvenience!).

Before you consider declawing, think about how it will affect your cat first. In many scientific journals, declawing is accurately referred to as “elective mutilation.” Claws are essential to the well-being of a cat. Claws allow a cat to grasp and hold objects, as well as establish footing for walking, running, climbing and stretching. Still not convinced? Watch this video about the surgical procedure of declawing:

Trust that there are a number of options that will help your cat to avoid scratching your furniture. Here are a couple of options:

• Trim your cat’s nails regularly. If this is too difficult, Angel’s Wish offers nail trimming for $5. No appointment necessary!
• Purchase a sctraching post. Some posts are carpeted and some are available with rope. The upright position calls for a cat’s natural instinct to scratch. Angel’s Wish has local-made scratching posts at the retail store!
• Cardboard scratching stations. These can be placed on the floor and catnip can be sprinkled on top which cats become attracted to, more than your furniture.

Before you consider declawing, explore what options are best for your cat. To learn more about declawing, visit http://www.declawing.com/. Also, if you ever have any questions concerning your cat (or future cat’s) scratching options, feel free to stop in at Angel’s Wish during adoption events and talk to one of our adoption coordinators about some of your options.

Source: http://www.declawing.com/

July Good-Buys!

For the entire month of July, the Angel’s Wish Retail Store is having a clearance sale. If you haven’t already visited our store, now is the time to do so! Angel’s Wish has all the essentials that a new pet owner needs, from food to feeding dishes and scratching posts to toys. Stop in any weekend during the month of July and check out some amazing deals, such as:

• Informational books that are 80 percent off



• DVDs, collars, jewelry and all clothing are $4.99



• Pet greeting and sympathy cards for 50 cents
  

Why shop at Angel’s Wish?
All your purchases will go directly towards Angel's Wish and the animals. Shopping at the retail store is a great way to support the rescue, especially if you are looking for additional ways to help. We carry a wide variety of products with competitive prices. The retail store is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about what items we sell at our retail store, visit the Angel’s Wish website for more information.