Pet Care Tips
Keep current identification on your dog or cat at all times. Pet licensing is required by law in Massachusetts. A license for your pet is not only obeying the law, but is giving you a phone call home if he or she becomes lost or wanders from home.
Spay or Neuter your pet. Spaying or neutering your pet results in better health and longer life for the animal and provides peace of mind for you. Many of the animals euthanized at shelters are the results of accidental breeding.
Always keep your dog or cat properly confined or supervised. Our community has leash laws.
Dogs: Are required by law to be kept confined to your property or to be on a leash when off your property. A verbal command law is also part of the Town of Sharon by-laws. Please note that verbal command over your dog instead of a leash is not recommended. A leash is a way to keep your dog from running into the street, chasing other animals and allowing you to keep careful watch over your dog.
In addition to the basics -- food, water, shelter, and veterinary care -- make sure to give your pets lots of love and attention.
Protect Your Pets From Winter Woes
Bring your pet indoors when the temperature drops sharply. Short-haired, very young, or old dogs (and cats) should never by left outdoors. Most dogs and cats are safer indoors except when taken out for exercise. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
Keep your pet protected from winds. No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. An outdoor dog must be protected by a dry, draft-free dog house that is large enough to allow the animal to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in its body heat, with a floor raised a few inches off the ground and covered with sufficient bedding. The house should face away from the wind and ideally have a doorway covered with burlap or a rug.
Feed your outdoor dog more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check water dishes to make certain water is fresh and unfrozen. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to your pets food -- it will help its coat and skin from drying out.
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animal, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can burn the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and burns his/her mouth.
Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but is has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills, and store antifreeze and all household chemicals out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze that is nontoxic and, if swallowed, will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
Dry heat can dry out your pet's skin and make him/her itchy and uncomfortable. A small amount of vegetable oil in your pet's food will help keep him/her comfortable.
Protect Your Pets From Summer Heat
Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes even with the windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. This is what you should do if your pet is exposed to high temperatures:
Be alert to the signs of heat stress heavy panting, glazed eyes, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
If your pet has become overheated, you must lower his or her body temperature immediately.
Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her body temperature.
Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet s head, neck, and chest only.
Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
Take your pet to a veterinarian right away it could save your pet s life.
If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately.
HOW TO AVOID GETTING BITTEN BY A DOG
Everyone knows a dog is man's best friend. And it is generally true. But every dog has the capacity to bite, and children are most often the ones who get bitten. Everyone, particularly children, should learn some basics about dog behavior and safety around dogs.
WHEN DOGS MIGHT BITE
When they feel threatened or afraid.
When they are protecting their territory, food, toys, family, or pups.
When they get excited, even in play.
When they don't know you.
When their "chase response" is triggered.
When they have been bred and/or trained to be aggressive.
When they are in pain or irritated.
HOW TO TELL WHEN A DOG MIGHT BITE
The dog may stand stiff and still, maybe with his or her hair up.
The dog may stare at you.
The dog may hold his or her tail stiff and up in the air, and wag it back and forth very fast.
The dog may growl, snarl, show teeth, or bark.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE THREATENED BY A DOG
Stand very still and try do be calm, DON'T SCREAM AND RUN.
Be aware of where the dog is. Don't turn your back on him or her, but don't stare the dog in the eyes either.
If the dog comes up to sniff you, don't resist. In most cases the dog will go away upon deciding you aren't a threat.
If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
Try to stay until the dog leaves then back away slowly until he or she is out of sight.
If a dog does attach suddenly, "feed" him or her your jacket, purse, your bike, anything that may distract the dog and give the animal something to bite besides you.
If you fall or are knocked down, curl into a ball with your arms and hands over your head and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET BITTEN
Children should tell their parents immediately. All bites should be reported to the police or animal control department.
Go to the hospital for treatment.
Tell the policeman or animal control officer as much as you can about the dog -- what he or she looked like, where you was the animal, if you've seen the dog before, and so on. It's important for them to try to find the dog.
Remember: Most Dog Bites Are Avoidable!
| 
