Welcome to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society - dog, cat and small animal rescue in seacoast NH

Winter Brings Extra Care For Your Dog

I don't know about you but I get really dry skin in the winter and so does my dog Sasha. When there is ice and snow, you can expect various melting products to be on the ground. Ice melt products are typically made of salt.

When your pet walks through the ice and snow, particles of salt, sand or even ice crystals can become lodged in the webbing. Your dog may even ingest the salts by licking his paws, which can cause illness. Most pet owners don't think about the paws and paw pads as an important part of your dog's health - but they are.

Keep your pet's paws healthy in winter by following these suggestions:

After each walk, wash off your pet's feet. This will remove any ice and road salt that can cause excessive dryness. I use a warm wet wash cloth and I rinse it repeatedly to get rid of the grime.

Apply a moisturizing cream like Bag Balm, Musher's Secret or Vasoline twice a week during the winter.
Examine your pet's paws weekly to check for cracks, cuts or bleeding. This is a good thing to do year round.

________________________________________________________

Rabbits Are Real Loves!

February is "Adopt A Bunny Month". And CVHS has plenty available. Rabbits are great pets for older children and adults. They love to be part of the household and join you for cuddles and snuggles.

But it is important to be prepared for a new bunny. They are, by nature, chewers and need supervision when they are out of their cages. All wires must be out of their reach. We like to see bunnies indoors most of the time, certainly at night and during bad weather. They can be aclimated to outdoor living but need access to the indoors at all times. They have to be protected from extreme cold or heat as well. Bunnies are marking animals and often leave bunny pellets (little round solid poops). They can sometimes be litter box trained but success varies.

The following are a few things to consider when adopting a rabbit.Where will your rabbit live? Decide where your new rabbit will start out in your home and where the cage will go. Make sure that bunny's cage is large enough for a litter box and food bowls, and that bunny can sit, stretch out, and stand up comfortably when full grown! Your bunny should spend the first few days in his or her cage whenever he/she cannot be supervised to adjust to their new surroundings. Rabbit proof bunny's running space! Think like a toddler! Use plastic plug inserts for unused electrical outlets. Make sure all electric and phone cords are out of bunny's reach or well wrapped. Protect furnishings by removing them from bunny's space or by covering them. Prepare for chewing needs. Provide lots of safe chew toys. Safe toys include cardboard boxes, natural untreated chew rings, tunnels, and lots of hay all satisfy a bunny's need to chew. Consider an exercise pen. A portable pen makes it a breeze to move bunnies from room to room, and even to an un-bunny-proofed room. Stock up on patience and love. Give your bunny lots of love and patience, and teach him with a gentle hand and soft voice. Bunnies do not like loud noises. Be sure to find a qualified rabbit vet before you need one. Go for annual well rabbit check ups. If your rabbit is five years or older consider going twice a year. Check the bunny's droppings which should be round, firm and plentiful. If your bunny sneezes or has discharge from his eyes or ears it's time to see the vet. Labored long deep breathing is also a reason for a visit to the vet.