Clinic

September 21, 2022 By bhsadmin

Lose a Leg, Save a Life! Candy the cat needs a leg amputated. Donors like YOU can ensure that she lives a happy, healthy life.

Candy came to us as a “feral” cat through a local TNR group to be spayed. She had a previous femoral fracture which caused Quadriceps contracture (read more about this condition here.) She currently has little to no use of her back left leg.

Once Dr. Davis examined her, it was determined that while Candy was under-socialized, she seemed to be a good candidate for adoption and could live a healthy life once her leg is amputated. Rather than releasing her, we are keeping her and will find her a home.

Candy is currently very scared. We can only hypothesize how she received this injury, to begin with, and then she had to survive on the street while it healed improperly. Our staff are already working hard to make her feel safe while she stays with us.

We are currently asking for donations to cover Candy’s surgery. Thanks to the volunteers who trapped her, and donors like you, she can receive proper care, and hopefully, find a home that will give her the time and love she needs to blossom like the sweet girl we know she is!

Stay tuned for updates on her progress! Follow us here and on social media.

https://www.facebook.com/buttehumanesociety

https://www.instagram.com/buttehumane/

September 1, 2021 By bhsadmin

Clinic Corner: Responsible Dog Ownership Month

By Emily Acevedo, BHS Shelter Operations Manager

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month! Considering adopting a dog or already have one? Dogs don’t need perfect pet-parents, but they do need owners who take the steps necessary to ensure they live happy and healthy lives. Check out our tips for being a responsible dog owner below!

Adopt a dog that suits your home and lifestyle:

- Research breeds prior to selection (this can take time, and that’s ok!) and select a dog that you can provide adequate exercise, shelter, food, and medical care to.

2. Plan to invest in your dog’s medical care:

- Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (annual exams, vaccinations, dental care, parasite control, etc.), from puppy-hood up through their senior years. Many vaccines and preventatives require annual boosters after their puppy series. Talk with your vet at your annual visit about any changes to your dog’s environment or activities so they can make sure they have everything they need to stay happy and healthy.
- Budget for emergencies or unexpected illnesses as much as possible.

3. Be responsible for your pet in your community:

- Carry waste bags when you are out and about and clean up after your pet. It helps prevent the spread of disease.
- Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.
- Don’t allow your dog to roam. Keep them secured on your property, in your home or yard.
- Spay or neuter your dog as soon as they are old enough to prevent overpopulation.

4. Keep them safe:

- Make sure your dog is microchipped and has a collar with a tag. Always make sure your contact information is up to date in the microchip registry as well as on their collar.
- Keep an evacuation bag ready for them with food, medication, vaccine records and anything else they may need should you need to evacuate your home.

Thank you for being a responsible dog owner!

August 6, 2021 By bhsadmin

Clinic Corner: August is Immunization Awareness Month!

By Emily Acevedo, BHS Shelter Operations Manager

We want to make sure your pet is protected, and make sure you as their pet-parent, are educated on which vaccines your pet needs based on their age and lifestyle! In this article we will touch on core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines- each play a vital role in your pets overall health!

First, let’s touch on core vaccines. Think of these as the vaccines every pet needs regardless of their extracurricular activities.

For dogs, the core vaccines are rabies and DHLPP. You may have heard of DHLPP referred to as a “5 in 1”, “distemper/parvo vaccine” or “combo” vaccine. It protects your dogs from several dangerous illnesses: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. These vaccines need to be started in a series when your puppy is 6-8 weeks old (rabies is one vaccine at 12 weeks or older) and continued until the 16-20 week mark. These vaccines need to then be administered annually/every three years for the life of your dog to keep them protected.

Core vaccines for cats are rabies and FVRCP, yes, even if they don’t go outside. Like dogs, the FVRCP is a combination vaccine that protects against the most common upper respiratory illness that can be deadly to cats. It protects your cat against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia. Also like dogs, these vaccines need to be started in a series when your kitten is 6-8 weeks old (rabies is one vaccine at 12 weeks or older) and continued until the 16-20 week mark. These vaccines need to then be administered annually/every three years for the life of your dog to keep them protected.

There are also lifestyle vaccines for dogs and cats, meaning they are vaccines recommended if your pet participates in specific activities and would be at risk for things that wouldn’t be covered by the core vaccines.

For dogs, these are the bordetella vaccine and the canine influenza vaccine: recommended if your dog goes to the groomer, boarding facilities, dog parks, or places that are heavily dog populated; and the lyme vaccine, and the rattlesnake vaccine:recommended if your pet regularly accompanies you on hikes or other outdoor excursions where they would be exposed to ticks or rattlesnakes.

The feline lifestyle vaccine is FELV, which protects against Feline Leukemia, and is recommended if your cat spends time outside, even if it’s just on your patio or in your own yard.

Vaccines for pets can seem confusing, but they don’t have to be! We are here to help make sure your pet has everything they need to stay protected. Give us a call to talk about what vaccines may be right for your pet today! (530) 343-7917 ext. 202

July 7, 2021 By bhsadmin

Clinic Corner: Summer Pet Care Tips

We are officially into the swing of summer and with it, 100+ degree temperatures during the day. Like humans, pets are susceptible to heat related injuries and illnesses. Here are some tips to keep your pets happy and safe this summer!


		1. Keep plenty of fresh water available both in your home and yard for your pet to access. Change the water regularly (every 1-2 days), as well as wash the bowls to prevent harmful bacteria, mold and algae from contaminating their water source.

		2. Leave your pet at home! Spring and fall in Northern California provide moderate temperatures that are perfect for your furry companion to accompany you on errands or car trips, but during the height of the summer, avoid bringing your pet on any trip that would include leaving them alone in the car for any period of time. Car’s internal temperatures rise quickly in the sun, and air conditioning systems can fail.

		3. Make sure your pet is current on flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Warm weather brings out a host of pests and parasites that can wreak havoc on your pet and negatively impact their health. Pets can develop skin allergies just from the presence of fleas, not to mention become infected with tapeworms. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms. Heartworm disease is rampant in Northern California, costly to treat, and can be fatal. The best protection is good prevention!

		4. Save walks or outdoor activities with your pets for the cooler parts of the day, early in the morning or in the evening.

		5. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and seek emergency care if your pet is experiencing heat related medical issues. Cats and dogs show similar signs of heat exhaustion, including excessive panting, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, stumbling, redness of the tongue and mouth, rapid heart rate, poor responsiveness and seizures. Brachycephalic breeds are more at risk than other breeds for heat stroke. (Bulldogs, Boston terriers, etc., breeds with short noses and airways).

May 5, 2021 By bhsadmin

Fire Weather: Prepare Your Pets!

By: Emily Acevedo, BHS Shelter Operations Manager

With summer rapidly approaching, it is clear that wildfire season is here. Northern California continues to be an area that is home to fires and evacuations during the warm, dry months. Here are some tips to help keep you ready to evacuate your pets quickly and smoothly.

1. Get Your Pets Microchipped

Have them microchipped and make sure their registered information stays current. Especially for pets who have been microchipped for a while. This is critical! Many animals end up in temporary shelters when they are pulled from evacuated areas and unfortunately, a very small percentage of them have microchips or proper identification. Microchips are a permanent form of identification that can be scanned easily and ensure that your pet is reunited with your family easily in the event of an emergency. If your pet is already microchipped, check their registration annually and update any phone numbers or addresses when they change.

2. Keep a Bag Ready

Prepare a go-bag for your pets. It should include bowls, food, leashes, collars and any medication or preventatives they are on. This is helpful in the event that you cannot return home for a long time due to evacuation orders. It can also be helpful to have a current copy of their medical records in case you need to take them to a shelter or boarding facility for an extended duration while evacuated.

3. Be Proactive With Your Pets

Acclimate your pets to carriers for safe transportation during an emergency. If you have cats or small dogs who need to be transported in a carrier, the last thing you want to have happen during an emergency evacuation is try to try to force them in. The best thing you can do is acclimate them beforehand. Leave the carrier out in a common area for them to explore in their normal environment, in a low-pressure setting. Reward them with a small treat when they enter the carrier- positive reinforcement goes a long way! Make sure to have your carriers in an easily accessible location with any blankets or toys they will need pre-loaded.