WSTW loves pets! That's why we've partnered with
the Delaware Humane Association
to bring you the Pet Page.
Each week, we'll show you a cat and a dog from the Delaware Humane Association
who need good homes. You can also get answers to your pet health
questions in our new Ask the Vet
feature, plus useful information for any animal lover in our
Tip of the Month
section.
Pets of the week for July 26, 2010
Ellie
I am 9 year old front-declawed spayed female. I had a good home for most of my life, but a family member developed allergies and they could no longer keep me. Like many cats, I tend to be scared and shy with new places and people, but I am a very loving cat once I get to know and trust you. I would do best as the only pet in the home so I can be the center of attention.
Ellie
I am a 1-and-a-half year old male Domestic Short Hair who came here when our family moved to a place that does not allow pets. I'm friendly, active, playful, and independent, but a little shy. I get along with other cats and am good with children. I'm not overly fond of being picked up and prefer to come to you when I want attention, but I will sleep in bed with you if you let me.
Last Week's Pets: DUI the dog and Tiger the cat are both still available for adoption.
If you're interested in adopting one of the Pets of the Week, or seeing
what other pets are available for adoption, contact the
Delaware Humane
Association, 701 A. Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Or call
(302) 571-0111
Humane Association Shelter & Animal Visitation Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue thru Fri: 12pm-7pm
Sat & Sun: 11am-4pm
Adoption Fees:
Dogs: $125 (puppies under 6 months old are $195, senior dogs are $67.50)
Cats: $75 (kittens under 6 months old are $100, senior cats are $37.50)
includes spaying/neutering, vet exam, shots, collar, and more.
Adoptive families must meet DHA guidelines and be 18 years of age
or older.
Ask the Vet... Your chance to ask Dr. Mindy Cohan, VMD, our resident pet health
expert, what's on your mind!
Topic:Fleas
Question from David in New Castle:
What is the best way to get rid of fleas? I have been putting the frontline on every 4 weeks, vacuum a lot, and spraying everything. They are not as bad, but I want to get rid of them.
Answer from Dr. Mindy Cohan:
You are certainly not the only pet owner who has struggled with a home flea infestation this year. Patience and persistence are the keys to ridding your house of fleas. It is very important to treat both your pet and the environment. Continue to use the Frontline every month. You mentioned vacuuming and that is very important. Some specialists believe that fleas die when they are sucked into a vacuum cleaner. The environment can also be sprayed with a product that contains an insect growth regulator which will kill the immature stages of the flea.
If your pet is scratching and appears to be showing signs of a flea allergy, contact your veterinarian. Many pets with flea allergies will require medications to help with both itchiness and skink infections.
Pet Tip of the Month... Quick tips to help keep your pets healthy and happy.
Separation Anxiety
The devotion and attachment that our pets demonstrate makes us feel loved and wanted. Many pet owners would gladly trade that ego boost for a pet that does not become distraught when left alone. Many dogs suffer great angst and a sense of abandonment when their family members leave. The degree of distress does not necessarily correlate with the length of the departure. Some dogs will become frantic when left alone for merely a few minutes.
Separation anxiety is the label used for dogs that become destructive and or disruptive in the home when the family leaves. Separation anxiety can manifest with howling, chewing, indoor urination/defecation, pacing, and escape attempts either from a crate or even from the house (i.e. jumping through windows).
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, consult your veterinarian to rule out an underlying medical problem and to discuss treatment options. Overcoming separation anxiety involves behavior modification training and sometimes medication. Your veterinarian can decide whether it is necessary to start medication.
Behavior modification is aimed at teaching your dog to be independent. Reward your dog if he/she rests calmly in a room other than the one you occupy. Do not punish your dog if you return to find a pillow destroyed, the trash spilled, or urine and feces on the floor.
Desensitizing your dog can be accomplished with “gradual leaving.” This involves leaving the house for very short intervals and returning. Start with 30 seconds and gradually increase your time away to several minutes. This helps to reassure your dog that although you are leaving, you will return. Another very important measure is to make all greetings and departures very mellow. Don’t make a big fuss when you leave and certainly don’t when you come back home.
Separation anxiety is stressful for dogs and very unsettling for their families. With some patience and understanding, it is a behavioral disorder that can be overcome.
