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Please remind all pet owners to bring their pets indoors. Dogs & cats become hypothermic at temps below freezing. Frostbite is also possible.

Don't leave your pets outside when the temperature falls below freezing. FCDF reminds you that cold weather brings a whole host of problems for animals:

We would be glad to provide you with the name and phone number of a veterinarian in the Birmingham, Alabama area who can point the way to good health care for your pet. Many of the veterinarians participate in our low-cost spay / neuter program. Click here for a list of participating veterinarians in the Birmingham, Alabama area. 

If you find a tick on your dog, pull it straight out with tweezers, or put on rubber
gloves and use thumb and forefinger. This is according to information
from www.animalplanet.com.
Don't twist the tick or its mouth, that is attached under the skin
because it might snap off. This can cause infection if you don't go to
your vet to have the remainder of the tick removed.

How to save your carpet from pet accidents--fast!

When your pet makes a liquid accident on the carpet, you have to move fast. Pet urine (dog or cat) can damage fibers and change the color of the carpet. Permanent damage may take time to deveop, but it can also happen in minutes, so don't delay. No need to make a time-wasting trip to the store for special cleansers. Use what is immediately available in your kitchen.

Robert S. Gaddis, Jr. DVM

Studies have shown that 60-80% of all pets over 3 years of age need immediate dental care. Without professional cleaning and frequent homecare, a good number of these pets stand to lose some or all of their teeth. The overall health of these pets can also be affected by neglected oral health. It is known that the same bacteria found in a periodontally diseased mouth can be traced to the liver, the kidneys and the heart resulting in premature wearing of these vital organs.

by Robert S. Gaddis, Jr. DVM

Getting Started:

To get your pet to let you work with his mouth, it is best to start slowly and and at a young age. During a quite time, simply run your finger along the teeth. If he fusses, play with him, then start again. The important thing is to relate the treatment to pleasing things. Making homecare treatments enjoyable for you and your pet is the only way either of you will accomplish your goal. If you go too fast or make it a frightening experience, then further advance will be delayed.

If a dog or cat shows signs of heat stress, like heaving panting, glazed eyes, fast pulse, unsteady or staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue, you have to lower the pet's body temperature immediately, according to information from the Humane Society of The US. Move the animal into the shade or inside. Apply cool, not cold, water all over the body. 

Antifreeze Fatal for Cats/DogsFlushing your car’s cooling system can do wonders for your engine. But it can also create a life-threatening hazard for your pets.

According to American Humane

Health/Maintenance Suggestions