Second Chance: Wildlife & Pets, Not a Match

06 Nov Second Chance: Wildlife & Pets, Not a Match

Living here in the mountains our pets tend toward the healthy side: they typically get lots of exercise, sunshine and fresh air. But they are also exposed to wildlife, which, as addressed in previous Pet Column, poses some risks – even if your pet never leaves your back yard or living room. Today I provide some more pointers for prevention and intervention around these risks to your pet that I hope will come in handy should the need arise…

Honeypie

Pesky Porcupines. First thing to keep in mind is that porcupines do not hibernate so risk of exposure is not decreased in winter.  Second, dogs usually don’t learn they’re lesson. Instincts usually win out, even if it’s the 4th time they’ve been quilled, so don’t rely on their good sense (but their lack of…).

If dog and porcupine clash, and dog is fortunate to only have a few quills and is calm enough to let you pull them out, try grasping the quill with tweezers down low toward where it enters the skin and yank. If you’re breaking the quill, stop and take the animal to a veterinarian. (Broken quills inside the skin can migrate and become infected and so definitely disregard the old wives’ tale that clipping the quills will release air and make them easier to get out…).  If your dog has more than a few quills, or has quills in its mouth or near its eye, time to visit your veterinarian…

Even if your pets never venture from your backyard they are still likely to be exposed to smaller wildlife– bats, squirrel, prairie dogs and rabbits – that hold a potential for disease, fun things such as rabies, worms, tularemia, bubonic plague. This is why vaccinations, deworming and regular vet visits are key to both healthy pets and healthy people. (These are all diseases that can affect people too.)

Keep in mind that indoor cats also have a potential to cross paws with wildlife. Mice, rats and even chipmunks can penetrate the fortress of your home. One risk to pay attention to is that of rodents who have ingested rat poison. Usually made of an anticoagulant that stops an animal’s blood from clotting, if you have a indoor mouser that falls ill suddenly seek veterinary care immediately.

But being homeless poses far greater risks to our overall wellbeing than wildlife does. Being without a family of their own is scary and unnatural to a pet. Adoption is the best remedy – meet two adoptable pets waiting for you…

Verde

Verde has been homeless twice in his life already and he is only seven months old. He was first adopted after arriving at Second Chance with his litter mates, but his first family discovered they were very allergic to cats. So this curious, loving, cuddly guy is back at Second Chance waiting for his third chance.  He would be happy to have other feline or even canine siblings in the home and can teach you to make a mean salsa.

HoneyPie, an adorable young Corgi mix, recently arrived at Second Chance after being found by a rancher as she was jubilantly chasing his cows and causing a ruckus.  She has a sweet temperament, walks nicely on a leash and plays well with others. As cow chasing is not an acceptable hobby, we feel HoneyPie would make a great companion for someone who, yes, drinks a lot of milk, however, lay off the black and white clothing.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff & Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)