Pets

The Oklahoma Humane Society provides not only a safe place for dogs and cats but affordable veterinary care at its Spay and Neuter Clinic. The Spay and Neuter Clinic offers an array of services, from dog and cat spay and neutering to vaccines, microchipping, preventative care, nail trimming, gland expression, e-collar, deworming and more.

Appointments for spay and neutering services can be scheduled online. Wellness appointments that cover additional needs must be made directly by calling (405) 947-7729 or by emailing clinic@okhumane.org.

Visit the Spay and Neuter Clinic website to review pricing and to learn more.

– Kristen Fine, Jones PR

Pet owners know their furry friends can be easily spooked by Fourth of July fireworks. Keep your pet safe with these tips:

• Leave your pet at home and indoors where they can’t run away when you go to a noisy party.

• Give your pet a “safe spot,” such as their kennel or a closet, where they can go to hide from the fireworks.

• In the event that your pet does escape, make sure that they are wearing identification tags.

• Lit fireworks can cause severe burns, and unlit fireworks contain potentially toxic substances if ingested. Keep both away from curious pets.

– Andrew Aston, Jones PR

It’s often difficult to impress upon people the need for foster families. Country Roads Animal Rescue depends on its fosters to save dogs from euthanization.

“Fostering is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” said Theresa Adams. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help animals reach their potential.”

Adams saved her four-legged friend, Wyatt, after he was abused, neglected and dumped at the local shelter. Wyatt soon recovered from his injuries and lives a healthy life, thanks to Adams.

If you are interested in learning more about Country Roads or Wyatt’s story, visit the Country Roads website.

– Kristen Fine, Jones PR

Pets can help seniors’ health by lowering blood pressure, boosting their moods and keeping them active.

Puppies and kittens need lots of attention, so seniors should consider adopting older animals. They’re often litter box trained or housebroken, and accustomed to living with people. It can also be easier to tell if you’re a good match with an older animal’s personality, which becomes more consistent with age.

Seasonal residents can consider fostering animals that aren’t quite ready for adoption. Seniors who can’t have a pet in the home can volunteer at their local shelter or donate needed items to nearby shelters.

– Brent Bardell, SPCA Tampa Bay

The summer activities we love can cause our pets stress, or even pose a danger to them.

Keep your pets safe with these summer safety tips:

– Remind guests not to feed your pets. Picnic staples like alcohol, chicken wings and desserts can be dangerous to pets, and the artificial sweetener “xylitol” in sugar-free foods can be deadly.

– Only use sunscreen or insect repellent on your pets if the label says it’s safe for animals.

– Keep pets home during firework displays. Create an area where they feel safe and comfortable. Distract them with ambient noise from a TV or radio.

– Brent Bardell, SPCA Tampa Bay

We often overlook our pets’ oral hygiene, but like humans, pets can get tartar buildup, too. Left untreated, dental disease can cause infections and tooth pain, and sometimes even organ damage.

Here are some helpful tips:

– Take your pet to the vet for annual checkups of their teeth and gums.

– Brush your pet’s teeth regularly. Daily brushing is best, but a few times a week can help, too. Check your local pet supply store for pet-safe toothpaste.

– Give your pet dental-friendly treats. There are lots of treats and pet foods on the market designed to improve dental health.

– Dr. Rizel Lopez, SPCA Tampa Bay

This year 45,920 shelter animals found homes with help from Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption initiative that aims to connect animals with loving families.

Nearly 700 shelters across the country participated July 23 by offering free adoptions. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare sent 277 animals to their new homes, clearing their shelter. Tulsa Animal Welfare added 166 adoptions to the overall total, which doubled last year’s record of 19,685.

Rescue animals have always held a soft spot in my heart. As a result, an 11-month-old pointer mix named Babe found her forever home with me.

– Emily Long, Jones PR